Research Skills & Analysis - LIB116 Lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

What is primary data?

Data that is published and readily available in reports.

Data that is derived from analysis of existing research.

Data that cannot be quantified with numbers.

Data collected from subjects specifically to address a problem. (correct)

Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

Number of participants in a study.

Responses regarding a person's feelings about a product. (correct)

A survey result measuring customer satisfaction on a scale.

The average score of students in a test.

What distinguishes quantitative data from qualitative data?

Quantitative data involves numerical values while qualitative data does not. (correct)

Qualitative data includes statistical analysis.

Qualitative data is always subjective.

Quantitative data cannot be expressed in numbers.

Which data collection method involves gathering information through direct observation?

Observation Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of secondary data?

Government reports on population statistics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of random sampling in surveys?

To ensure the sample is representative of the entire population. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes open-ended questionnaires?

They permit a wide range of responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes data processing?

The translation of raw data into usable information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of data validation in the data preparation stage?

To ensure that the data collected is correct and relevant. Signup and view all the answers

How is data typically sorted during the data processing operations?

Using a combination of descriptive and numerical characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of participant observation research?

The researcher loses objectivity. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of observation does the researcher not participate in the activities of the group being studied?

Non-controlled non-participant observation Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a structured (closed) questionnaire?

It has predetermined and rigid answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of participant observation research?

It allows for a deeper understanding of the group. Signup and view all the answers

How does systematic controlled observation differ from non-controlled observation?

It allows for predetermined control of variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the researcher in non-controlled participant observation?

To become a member of the group. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes an unstructured (open) questionnaire?

It encourages detailed and expansive answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an unstructured (open) questionnaire?

To obtain viewpoints, opinions, and attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview follows a predetermined set of questions?

Directive interview Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a repeated interview from other types?

It focuses on changes in responses over time. Signup and view all the answers

In a focused interview, what is the primary limitation?

It is guided by relevant theory and evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of a depth interview?

It explores the perspectives of a few individuals in detail. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about surveys is accurate?

Surveys are aimed at populations relevant to the research. Signup and view all the answers

What type of interview is considered more flexible and open-ended?

Non directive interview Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of all types of interviews?

They aim to collect expansive qualitative data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of conducting interviews in research?

To acquire detailed insights with purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview seeks to uncover unexpected views alongside relevant theory?

Focused interview Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Skills & Analysis - LIB116, Lecture One

Lecture presented by Assoc. Prof. Emam Omar, Physics Department, New Mansoura University, 28/09/2024
Course topic: Research Skills & analysis, Lecture One, LIB116

Data

Data are individual facts, observations, statistics, characters, symbols, images, numbers, etc.
Raw data, out of context, have no meaning.
Raw data is difficult to understand.
Raw Data Types:
- Quantities
- Numbers
- Facts
- Observations
- Graphs
- Measurements
Example data: 5551237798 (phone number)

Types of Data

Research data is classified as either quantitative or qualitative.
Quantitative data: Data that can be counted or expressed numerically (e.g., number of students, age, grades, test scores).
Qualitative data: Descriptive data with no numerical values (e.g., a person's attitude, perception, or feelings).

Types of Data (Based on Source)

Primary data (first-hand information): Data originated by a researcher for a specific research problem. Collected directly from the subjects being studied.
Secondary data: Existing data, collected by others, from readily available sources. Might be published or unpublished.
Types of Secondary Data:
- Files/records
- Computer databases
- Industry or government reports
- Documents (budgets, organizational charts, policies, procedures, maps, monitoring reports)
- Newspapers and television reports

Data Collection Methods

Methods used to collect data for research include:
- Forms and questionnaires
- Interviews
- Observation
- Documents and records
- Focus groups
- Oral histories
- Combination research
- Online tracking
- Online marketing analytics
- Social Media Monitoring

Data Collection Methods (Continued)

Data collection is crucial for any research as results are based on the data collected.
The methods chosen depend on the research objectives and design.
"Data" refers to any information collected about subjects, respondents, or participants of a study.

Methods of Data Collection

Observation
Questionnaire
Interview
Surveys
Experimental devices

1. Observation

Observational research (field research) involves direct observation of phenomena in their natural setting.
Types of Observation:
- A. Non-controlled, participant observation: Researcher becomes a member of the group being studied.
- B. Non-controlled, non-participant observation: Researcher observes from a distance without participating in the group's activities.
- C. Systematic controlled observation: Researcher predetermines and controls variables, location, time, participants, and tools.

Disadvantages of Participant Observation Research

Researchers lose their objectivity.
It is challenging to remain neutral while participating in observation, forming opinions and changing behaviors.

2. Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a set of written questions.
Research subjects answer questions.
Types of Questionnaires:
- A. Structured (closed): Provides predetermined, clear, closed answers.
- B. Unstructured (open): Uses open-ended questions, getting views, opinions, and attitudes.

3. Interview

Interview is a conversation for a specific purpose.
More than an oral exchange of information.
Types of Interviews:
- A. Non directive (unstructured): Interviewer avoids predetermined questions.
- B. Directive (structured): Uses predetermined questions.
- C. Repeated interview: Tracks changes in phenomenon over time
- D. Focus interview: Focuses on relevant theory & evidence
- E. Depth interview: Qualitative research for intensive interviews

4. Surveys

Surveys are a research method in which subjects respond to statements or questions using questionnaires or interviews.
Surveys target populations – the people being studied.
Usually a sample (part of the population) is studied and represents the whole.
Random sampling is used to ensure a representative sample.
Questionnaires in surveys can be close ended or open ended.
Surveys use statistical methods for data analysis.

5. Experimental devices

Refers to laboratory equipment used in experiments, like graduated cylinders, beakers, microscopes, and more

Information

Data is meaningless without interpretation.
Information is processed data that is meaningful in a specific context.
Information = Data + Context + Meaning

Data Processing

Raw data is not inherently useful to an organization.
Data processing involves collecting raw data and transforming it into usable information.
Stages in Data Processing:
- A. Data Collection: Methods like observation, questionnaires, interviews, surveys, experimental devices.
- B. Data Preparation (Validation): Ensuring data accuracy and relevance; identifying and correcting errors.
- C. Sorting: Organizing data in a sequence based on characteristics (descriptive or numerical).
- D. Input: Converting processed/sorted data into a machine-readable format for processing unit.
- E. Processing (Analysis): Manual (for small datasets) or Computer-aided.
- F. Output/Interpretation: Presenting data in a usable format (e.g., graphs, tables, reports).
- G. Storage: Storing data and metadata for future use.

Types of Data Processing

Batch Processing: Data is collected and processed in batches. Large datasets.
Real-Time Processing: Data is processed within seconds. Examples: Using an ATM.
Online Processing: Data is processed immediately as it becomes available. Examples: Barcode scanning.
Time-Sharing: Computer resources are allocated to multiple users.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of research skills in Lecture One of LIB116. This lecture covers the types and classifications of data as well as the importance of understanding raw data. Perfect for students aiming to enhance their research capabilities.