Data Collection Methods

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Questions and Answers

In the context of research, what is the primary role of data collection?

  • To statistically analyze existing research
  • To bypass the need for a research design
  • To gather information necessary for investigating a research problem (correct)
  • To formulate a hypothesis without prior information

Why is data collection considered a fundamental tool in research?

  • It is only relevant in specific fields of study, such as behavioral sciences.
  • It is essential for making data-driven decisions and supporting research findings. (correct)
  • It is only important for statistical analysis after the research is complete.
  • It is merely a process of extracting previously accessible facts.

Which of the following best describes primary data?

  • Data collected for the first time, which is original and fresh. (correct)
  • Data gathered through census surveys conducted by government entities.
  • Information extracted from previously published books and journals.
  • Data that have been previously used in statistical analysis.

What is a key characteristic of secondary data?

<p>It has already undergone statistical processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of primary data collection is most suitable for studies involving subjects who cannot provide verbal reports?

<p>Observation Method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes structured observation from unstructured observation?

<p>Structured observation involves pre-defined units and standardized recording, while unstructured does not. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of observation does the researcher actively participate in the activities of the group being studied?

<p>Participant Observation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a focused interview?

<p>To confine the respondent to a discussion of specific issues of interest (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using questionnaires for data collection?

<p>It is cost and time effective for large surveys. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When constructing a questionnaire, why should personal and intimate questions be placed towards the end?

<p>To build rapport and trust with the respondents first (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do 'schedules' differ from 'questionnaires' in data collection?

<p>Schedules are filled out by trained individuals on behalf of the respondents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a 'warranty card' in data collection?

<p>To collect feedback from consumers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data collection, what does 'pantry audit' primarily aim to estimate?

<p>The consumption of basket goods at the consumer level (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mechanical device used in data collection?

<p>An eye camera (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common source of published secondary data?

<p>Trade journals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where would a researcher most likely find unpublished data?

<p>In diaries and manuscripts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are databases useful sources of secondary data?

<p>They offer data that is pre-organized and easy to access. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When studying sensitive topics like knowledge of tuberculosis among learners, what is the advantage of using anonymous questionnaires?

<p>They encourage more honest responses by reducing concern about repercussions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For assessing whether bank clients feel professionally treated by staff, which data collection method is most convenient according to the examples provided?

<p>Anonymous questionnaires filled in while visiting the bank (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of studying the symptoms of hospital patients with cancer, which data collection method is deemed most suitable in the provided examples?

<p>Observation in the form of a medical examination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Data?

Information required for investigating a research problem after proper designing.

Primary Data

Data collected for the first time; original and fresh.

Secondary Data

Data previously collected and statistically processed by someone else.

How is Primary Data Collected?

Collecting data while undertaking experiments and descriptive type research

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Observation Method

A method where information is sorted by investigators' direct observation without asking from the respondent.

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Structured Observation

Observation with careful definition of units, recording style, data selection, and standardized conditions.

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Unstructured Observation

Observation without pre-set structured characteristics

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Participant Observation

The process in which the observer shares experiences being a member of the group

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Non-participant Observation

A process in which the observer is a detached participant.

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Disguised Observation

Observations made without people knowing they are being observed

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Interview Method

A method involving skilled interviewers using oral-verbal stimuli and responses.

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Questionnaire

Gathering information through a set of questions in a specific order.

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Schedule Method

A method where questionnaires are filled in by specifically selected people.

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Warranty Cards

Postal cards with questions sent to consumers to fill and return.

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Distributor or Store Audit

Audits performed by distributors or manufacturers to monitor sales and purchasing.

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Pantry Audit

Method applied to estimate consumption of goods at the consumer level

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Sources of Published Data

Various publications from government, international societies, and trade journals

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Sources of Unpublished Data

Autobiographies, diaries, unpublished studies, memos, and raw data

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Databases

Organized lists of data that are easily accessible.

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Method Selection Steps

Considers required time, interviews, and available study time.

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Study Notes

Core Concept

  • Data collection is essential for research

Importance of Data

  • Information is required to investigate a research problem
  • Research cannot be conducted without gathering specific information

Types of Data

  • Primary: original data collected firsthand
  • Secondary: data that has already been collected and statistically processed by someone else

Collection of Primary Data

  • In experimental research, primary data is collected through experiments
  • In descriptive research and surveys, primary data is collected through observation or direct communication with respondents

Methods of Primary Data Collection

  • Observation
  • Interview
  • Questionnaire
  • Schedule
  • Other methods include: warranty cards, pantry audits, distributary audits, consumer panels, mechanical devices, projective techniques, depth interviews, and content analysis

Observation Method

  • Frequently used, especially in behavioral science studies
  • Scientific when serving a research purpose, systematically planned, recorded, and validated

Observation Types

  • Structured: involves defined units, recording styles, data selection, and standardized conditions
  • Unstructured: performed without structured characteristics
  • Controlled: follows pre-arranged strategies and experimental processes
  • Uncontrolled: occurs in natural settings
  • Participant: observer shares experiences as a group member
  • Non-participant: observer remains detached
  • Disguised: observations made without people knowing

Interview Method

  • Requires skilled, unbiased, and updated interviewers with practical competency

Interview Types

  • Personal: face-to-face interaction, probing possible
  • Telephone: contacting respondents by phone
  • Structured: uses predetermined questions and standardized recording techniques
  • Unstructured: does not follow predetermined questions or standardized recording techniques
  • Focused: emphasizes respondent's capabilities, interviewer has freedom in questioning to explore reasons and motives

Data Collection Through Questionnaires

  • Common in large surveys
  • Distributed to individuals with a request to answer and return the form
  • Consists of printed or typed questions in a specific order
  • Participants answer questions themselves
  • Questionnaires should include a short explanation of research topic

Features of a Good Questionnaire

  • Questions should be concise and sequential
  • Questions should proceed logically from easy to difficult
  • Avoid personal or intimate questions, technical terms, and biased questions
  • Include all aspects of the problem

Data Collection through Schedule

  • Schedules contain a set of questions (proforma)
  • Filled in by specifically selected people who administer questions and record responses

Other Methods of Data Collection

  • Warranty Cards (feedback cards): postal-sized cards with questions for consumers
  • Distributor or Store Audit: performed by distributors/manufacturers to assess sales patterns
  • Pantry Audit: estimates consumption of goods at the consumer level
  • Consumer Panel: regular pantry audit extension
  • Mechanical Devices: eye cameras, pupilometric cameras, psychogalvanometers, motion picture cameras

Methods of Collecting Secondary Data

  • Sources of Published Data
    • Publications from government organizations, international societies, businesses, trade journals, books, reports from research scholars and economists, public records
  • Sources of Unpublished Data
    • Unpublished autobiographies, biographies, diaries, manuscripts, raw data, data from scholars, trade firms, labor agencies, public/private sectors

Databases

  • Organized lists of data, computerized or filed, offering easy access

Selection of Data Collection Method

  • Steps: consider time, number of interviews, and available time
  • Must suit the research type

Data Collection Examples

  • Anonymous questionnaires are useful for studying knowledge and perceptions of TB among learners
  • Questionnaires are useful for gauging whether bank clients feel professionally served
  • Observation (medical examination) is optimal for noting the symptoms of hospital patients with cancer

Conclusion

  • Unbiased data is essential for research
  • Medical, social, political, and economic scenarios are easily seen through this process
  • Common methods of primary data collection in behavioural sciences are observation, interviews, questionnaires, and databases
  • Secondary data comes from previously published/unpublished sources
  • Method suitability depends on research aim

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