Data Collection Methods in Research

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Questions and Answers

What is one advantage of face-to-face interviews in quantitative research?

They allow for impromptu questions.

They enable rapport building with participants. (correct)

They reduce the cost of data collection.

They are easier to analyze than online questionnaires.

Which of the following is a notable feature of structured interviews in quantitative research?

They consist of a standard set of questions. (correct)

They focus on participants' personal stories.

They are unstructured and flexible.

They include open-ended questions.

What is a benefit of using paper-pencil questionnaires in research?

They allow for immediate feedback from participants.

They always provide accurate qualitative data.

They can reach a large audience efficiently. (correct)

They eliminate the need for data analysis.

What is an important characteristic of the mixed methods approach in research?

It integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge associated with mixed methods research?

Difficulty in formulating complementary research questions. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation are mixed methods particularly valuable?

When addressing complex issues within marginalized populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of anonymity in questionnaire responses?

It encourages truthful responses to sensitive issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following two categories is primarily recognized in statistics for classifying data?

Primary and Secondary data. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of primary data?

It is collected from firsthand experience. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly associated with the collection of primary data?

Statistical record analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of primary data collection?

Sources may be scarce or uncooperative. Signup and view all the answers

Why might secondary data be considered less reliable?

It often contains outdated information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic of questionnaires?

They can utilize various response formats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using interviews as a data collection method?

Respondents may deliberately withhold information. Signup and view all the answers

Which field is least likely to use experiments for primary data collection?

Management Signup and view all the answers

What makes primary data generally more reliable than secondary data?

It has not been previously manipulated by others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using primary data in research?

It is specific to the problem being studied. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using primary data?

It often involves significant costs. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes secondary data?

It is data originally collected for another purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Which source would NOT typically be considered a source of secondary data?

Surveys conducted by the investigator. Signup and view all the answers

Why might secondary data be important in research?

It can capture historical changes and developments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge faced when collecting primary data?

Determining the most effective means of data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of data does NOT typically require ethical considerations?

Secondary data collected from public records. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a misconception about secondary data?

Secondary data is typically collected for a specific research purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of data collection in research?

To capture quality evidence that leads to rich data analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with qualitative data collection methods?

They can be generalized to a larger population. Signup and view all the answers

Why is accurate data collection essential in research?

It maintains the integrity of the research. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is characterized as mostly non-numerical and descriptive?

Qualitative Data Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically used to collect qualitative data?

Focus groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of qualitative data collection protocols?

They allow for changes based on research needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge in implementing qualitative research methods?

They are often time-consuming and expensive. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of mixed data?

It combines both qualitative and quantitative data. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data is characterized by numerical values that can be mathematically computed?

Quantitative data Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of quantitative data collection methods?

They often experience low participation rates. Signup and view all the answers

Which scale is NOT a type of quantitative data scale?

Theoretical scale Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of qualitative data collection?

It relies heavily on field notes and sketches. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common strategy used in quantitative data gathering?

Experiments and clinical trials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following data collection methods is likely to be more cost-effective?

Quantitative surveys Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of probability sampling in quantitative research?

It uses random selection to represent a population. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT typically used for quantitative data collection?

Textual analysis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Collection

Crucial for research integrity
Ensures quality evidence for analysis
Requires appropriate data collection instruments and clear instructions

Types of Data

Qualitative Data: Descriptive, non-numerical, captures feelings and subjective perspectives
- Methods:
  - Focus groups
  - Group discussions
  - Interviews
- Characteristics:
  - Open-ended, flexible protocols
  - Relies on interactive interviews
  - Employs multiple methods for data verification
  - Findings are not generalizable
- Data collection methods:
  - Field notes
  - Sketches
  - Audiotapes
  - Photographs
  - Other suitable means
Quantitative Data: Numerical, mathematically computable, measured using scales (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)
- Methods:
  - Surveys with closed-ended questions
  - Experiments/clinical trials
  - Observations of pre-defined events
  - Data extraction from management information systems
- Characteristics:
  - Cheaper to implement, standardized, measurable effects
  - Limited in explaining similarities and unexpected differences
  - Often difficult for peer-based programs due to resource constraints
  - Relies on random sampling and structured data collection tools
  - Findings are easily summarized, compared, and generalized
- Data collection methods:
  - Face-to-face interviews
  - Telephone interviews
  - Questionnaires (paper, online)
  - Experiments
  - Observations
Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative data, techniques, and methods
- Advantages:
  - Capitalizes on strengths of both approaches
  - Reduces weaknesses of single-design studies
  - Enhances validity and reliability
- Applications:
  - Intervention initiation, design, development, and expansion
  - Evaluation
  - Research design improvement
  - Findings corroboration
- Challenges:
  - Designing complementary qualitative and quantitative research questions
  - Time-intensive data collection and analysis
  - Decisions regarding method combination
- Benefits:
  - Addresses complex research problems (technological disparities)
  - Transformative for vulnerable or marginalized populations
  - Encourages community participation

Data Classification

Primary Data: Collected from firsthand experience, unpublished, more reliable, authentic, and objective
- Sources:
  - Experiments
  - Surveys
  - Questionnaires
  - Interviews
  - Observations
- Advantages:
  - Data specific to the research problem
  - Higher data quality
  - Potential for additional data collection
- Disadvantages:
  - Data collection challenges (planning, funding, ethics)
  - Ensuring data quality (accuracy, completeness, authenticity)
  - Cost of data collection
Secondary Data: Collected by someone else for a different purpose, already published
- Sources:
  - Books
  - Records
  - Biographies
  - Newspapers
  - Published censuses
  - Data archives
  - Internet articles
  - Research articles
  - Databases
- Advantages:
  - Access to historical data
  - Less time-consuming and expensive than primary data
  - Provides broader context
- Disadvantages:
  - Potentially lower validity
  - Less control over data quality
  - May not be directly relevant to the research question

Data Collection Considerations

Ethical principles must be observed in data collection.
The researcher needs to record data thoroughly, accurately, and systematically.
Surveys are a common data collection method in various fields.
Questionnaires can be conducted through different methods (telephone, mail, electronic).
Face-to-face interviews provide in-depth information and opportunity to observe body language.
Observations can be conducted in natural or artificial settings.

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Description

This quiz explores essential data collection methods used in research, focusing on the differences between qualitative and quantitative data. It covers the types, characteristics, and appropriate instruments needed for effective data gathering, ensuring research integrity and evidence quality.