Research Data Collection Overview

Data

Data is any information collected, observed, generated, or created to support research findings.

Types of Research Data

Quantitative data: Based on numerical values.
Qualitative data: Based on categories or descriptions.

Data Collection

The process of gathering information needed to address a research problem.

Purpose of Data Collection

Obtaining information.
Recording information for future reference.
Supporting decisions about important issues.
Sharing information with others.

Methods of Data Collection

Essential Types: Primary and Secondary data.
Primary data: Collected for the first time, original in nature.
Secondary data: Already collected by someone else.

Primary Data vs. Secondary Data

Primary Data:
- Real-time data.
- Source certainty.
- Addresses specific research questions.
- Potential for high costs and time commitment.
- Reduced bias.
Secondary Data:
- Past data.
- Source uncertainty.
- May require refining to address the research problem.
- Potentially less expensive.
- Potential for bias.

Data Sources

Primary:
- People.
- Objects.
- Programmes.
Secondary:
- Unpublished: Journals, Magazines, News Papers, Government Reports, Census Reports.
- Published: Thesis, Dissertations, Official Reports.
- Internal: Biographies, Diaries, Letters.
- External: Publications from Central, State, or Local Governments, Technical and Trade Journals, Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Industry, Bank, Stock exchange reports, and research publications by academics.

Data Collection Strategies

No single best strategy; decisions depend on:
- The question being asked.
- Data location (environment, sites, people).
- Available resources.
- Data complexity.
- Data collection frequency.
- Data analysis needs.

Choosing Between Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Quantitative: Use when
- Statistical analysis is needed.
- Precision is required.
- Measuring specific variables in a large group is required.
Qualitative: Use when
- In-depth information and understanding are required.
- Precise measurement isn't essential.
- A large group isn't the focus.

Structured Approach

Collecting all data the same way.
Important for multi-site evaluations.
Necessary when needing to compare different interventions.
Helpful when needing numerical results and comparisons across multiple sites.

Semi-Structured Approach

Following procedures generally but not necessarily identically each time.
Flexibility to respond to participants.
Useful for exploratory work.
Helpful in contexts needing diverse responses and information.

Quantitative Approach

Data measured numerically.
Examples include age, cost, length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, and temperature.
Easier to analyze.
Can be more challenging to develop.

Qualitative Approach

Data dealing with descriptions.
Can be observed or self-reported.
Usually less structured.
Useful for providing detailed information.
Can be labor-intensive and may require more resources.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data

Observation method: Direct observation of events.
- Advantages: Eliminates subjective bias, provides current information, independent of respondent variables -Disadvantages: Expensive, time consuming, limited information, unforeseen factors may interfere.
Types of Observation
- Structured Observation: Standardized conditions and procedures, clearly defined units, and specific data recording. Includes participant and non-participant, controlled and uncontrolled observation.
- Unstructured Observation: Observation without prior thought or structure, flexible.
Interview Method: Oral communication.
- Personal Interviews: Face-to-face interactions between interviewer and respondent.
  - Structured Interviews: Predetermined questions, standardized procedure, relatively less time-consuming. Data easier to analyze.
  - Unstructured Interviews: No predetermined questions, flexible, deeper understanding, more time-consuming, greater data analysis complexity.
Telephonic Interviews: Interviews over the phone.
- Merits: Faster than other methods, potentially cheaper, high responses, interviewer flexibility in case of problems.
- Demerits: Limited time, restricts responses to those with phones, challenging for complex issues.
Questionnaire Method: Written questions sent to respondents.
- Merits: Low cost, adequate thinking time for responses, large sample sizes, low bias.
- Demerits: Low response rate, inflexibility, difficult to determine who answered.
Schedule Method: Similar to questionnaires but filled by enumerators.
- More expensive than questionnaires but offers training and control on data collection.

Other Methods Of Data Collection

Warranty Cards: Customer feedback through post-cards (or similar).
Distributor/Store Audits: Observation of inventory and sales data.
Pantry Audits: Customer observation of their product purchases.
Consumer Panels: Repeated interviews or records to observe consumption patterns.
Transitory Consumer Panels: Limited time data collection for short periods of time.
Mechanical Devices: Eye-tracking, galvanometers, motion capture - record precise or behavioural responses.
Depth Interviews: Exploring underlying motives, feelings, beliefs, etc (qualitative).
Content Analysis: Analyzing documentary materials, news articles, books etc (qualitative).

Collection of Secondary Data

Already available information.
Sources: Central/State/ Local Government publications, journals, books, magazines, newspaper, industry/bank reports, research scholar reports.