Podcast
Questions and Answers
A researcher aims to gather data from a large population to determine the average amount spent on entertainment per month. Which data collection method would be most suitable?
A researcher aims to gather data from a large population to determine the average amount spent on entertainment per month. Which data collection method would be most suitable?
Which of the following BEST describes the difference between primary and secondary data?
Which of the following BEST describes the difference between primary and secondary data?
A market researcher wants to understand consumer opinions about a new product, allowing participants to freely express their thoughts. Which method would be most appropriate?
A market researcher wants to understand consumer opinions about a new product, allowing participants to freely express their thoughts. Which method would be most appropriate?
A researcher uses a questionnaire to measure job satisfaction among employees. Several employees provide dishonest answers due to fears about how their responses might affect their job. What weakness of questionnaires does this scenario illustrate?
A researcher uses a questionnaire to measure job satisfaction among employees. Several employees provide dishonest answers due to fears about how their responses might affect their job. What weakness of questionnaires does this scenario illustrate?
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A researcher consistently obtains similar results when using a particular data collection method on multiple occasions, but realizes that the method does not accurately measure the intended variable. What can be concluded about the method?
A researcher consistently obtains similar results when using a particular data collection method on multiple occasions, but realizes that the method does not accurately measure the intended variable. What can be concluded about the method?
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A researcher is studying the impact of a new teaching method on student performance. What aspect of the data collection process should the researcher focus on to ensure validity?
A researcher is studying the impact of a new teaching method on student performance. What aspect of the data collection process should the researcher focus on to ensure validity?
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In an observational study of consumer behavior in a supermarket, what might affect the reliability of the collected data?
In an observational study of consumer behavior in a supermarket, what might affect the reliability of the collected data?
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Compared to questionnaires, what is a significant disadvantage of using interviews for data collection?
Compared to questionnaires, what is a significant disadvantage of using interviews for data collection?
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Flashcards
Primary Data
Primary Data
Data collected directly by the researcher from firsthand sources.
Secondary Data
Secondary Data
Data that has been collected by someone else, not the researcher.
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
A method for collecting structured numerical and attitudinal data from respondents.
Interviews
Interviews
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Observation
Observation
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Reliability
Reliability
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Validity
Validity
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Strengths of Questionnaires
Strengths of Questionnaires
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Study Notes
Data Collection Methods
- Data can be categorized into primary and secondary
- Primary data is collected directly by the researcher
- Secondary data is collected by someone else
Primary Data Collection Methods
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Questionnaires: Used for numerical data, statistically analyzed, collecting factual information (e.g., spending on cosmetics), attitudes, and feelings (using scales). Can be administered in person, via phone, post, or email.
- Strengths: Collect data from large samples, easy to administer, easily scored, allows anonymity
- Weaknesses: Limited scope for probing responses, inflexible, responses can be misleading based on respondent literacy, respondent cooperation is crucial
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Interviews: Used for non-numerical data. Can be structured or unstructured.
- Structured: Uses a set of pre-formulated questions.
- Unstructured: Allows respondents to speak freely in response to a stimulus question, follow-up questions depend on respondent's answers.
- Strengths: Yields in-depth information, flexible, can yield substantial amounts of data, answers can be clarified
- Weaknesses: Time-consuming, often small sample size, can yield irrelevant data, prone to researcher bias, respondent's memory may be unreliable, interviewers may set up interviews unreliable
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Observation: Used for non-numerical data. Researcher records observations according to a predefined schedule with specific criteria/parameters.
- Strengths: Yields in-depth information, flexible, can yield substantial amounts of data, less affected by respondent bias
- Weaknesses: Time-consuming, often small sample size, can yield irrelevant data, prone to researcher bias, respondent reactions can be misinterpreted
Reliability and Validity
- Reliability: Refers to the accuracy and consistency of data collection methods/instruments. A well-designed instrument provides consistent results when repeated.
- Validity: Refers to whether the data collection method actually measures what it is supposed to measure. A valid sample accurately represents the larger population. A reliable method is crucial for ensuring valid results.
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Description
Test your knowledge on data collection methods including primary and secondary data, different techniques like questionnaires and interviews, and their strengths and weaknesses. This quiz will help you understand the nuances of data gathering and its applications.
