Data Collection Methods PDF

DO YOU THINK IS THE IMPORTA NCE OF DATA COLLECT ION? Data collection It is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes (Most...

DO YOU THINK IS THE IMPORTA NCE OF DATA COLLECT ION? Data collection It is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes (Most et al, 2003).  On the other hand, according to Babbie (2004), the data collection component of research is common to all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, business, etc. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. DATA COLLECTION  Data Collection Instruments  Accurate and systematic data collection is critical to conducting scientific research.  Data collection allows us to collect information that we want to collect about our study objects.  Depending on research type, methods of data collection include: documents review, observation, questioning, measuring, or a combination of different methods.  DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES AND SKILLS USING VARIED INSTRUMENTS 1. Questionnaires - a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. According to (Abawi, 2014) a questionnaire is a data collection instrument consistent of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents.  Steps required to design and administer a questionnaire 1. Defining the objectives of the Study 2. Define the target respondents and methods to reach them. 3. Questionnaire design 4. Pilot testing 5. Questionnaire administration 6. Results interpretation  Defining the Objectives of the Study  A questionnaire should allow us to collect the most complete and accurate data in a logical flow.  This is done in order to reach reliable conclusions from what we are planning to observe.  A well-designed questionnaire should meet the research goal and objectives and minimize unanswered questions, a common problem bound to many surveys. YOUNG RESEARCHERS? HAVE A GOOD DAY!  Why is it Important to Understand every facets of the Data Collection Procedure? Why do we need to decide on the appropriateness of instrument that we will utilize in gathering our data?  THE ANSWER ? IS IN YOUR HANDS 2. Interviews - a conversation between two or more people (the interviewer and the interviewee) where questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee - a more structured approach would be used to gather quantitative data.  Interviews consist of collecting data by asking questions.  Data can be collected by listening to individuals, recording, filming their responses, or a combination of methods. There are four types of interview: 1. Structured interview 2. Semi-structured interview 3. In-depth interview 4. Focused group discussion  Structured interview  In structured interviews the questions as well as their order is already scheduled.  Your additional intervention consists of giving more explanation to clarify your question (if needed), and to ask your respondent to provide more explanation if the answer they provide is vague (probing).  Semi-structured and in-depth interviews  Semi-structured interviews include a number of planned questions, but the interviewer has more freedom to modify the wording and order of questions.  In-depth interview is less formal and the least structured, in which the wording and questions are not predetermined. This type of interview is more appropriate to collect complex information with a higher proportion of opinion-based information.  Focus group discussion  Focus group is a structured discussion with the purpose of stimulating conversation around a specific topic.  Focus group discussion is led by a facilitator who poses questions and the participants give their thoughts and opinions.  Focus group discussion gives us the possibility to cross check one individual’s opinion with other opinions gathered.  In a group situation, members tend to be more open and the dynamics within the group and interaction can enrich the quality and quantity of information needed.  The ideal size of the Focus groups:  8-10 participants 1 Facilitator  1 Note-taker Preparation for the Focus Group Identifying the purpose of the discussion Identifying the participants Develop the questions  Running the Focus Group 1. Opening the discussion 2. Managing the discussion 3. Closing the focus group 4. Follow-up after the focus group 3. Observation - a group or single participants are manipulated by the researcher, for example, asked to perform a specific task or action. Observations are then made of their user behavior, user processes, workflows etc., either in a controlled situation (e.g. lab based) or in a real- world situation (e.g. the workplace). 4. Transaction logs - recordings or logs of system or website activity. 5. Documentary research - analysis of documents belonging to an organization  ARE YOU READY? HAVE A GREAT ONE! GOOD… MORNING!  Directions:Identify the following statement/s. Write your answer in a 1 whole sheet of paper. 1. It the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest. 2. A series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. 3. A conversation between two or more people (the interviewer and the interviewee) where questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee. 4. Your additional intervention consists of giving more explanation to clarify your question (if needed), and to ask your respondent to provide more explanation if the answer they provide is vague (probing). 5. Is a structured discussion with the purpose of stimulating conversation around a specific topic. 6. It is less formal and the least structured, in which the wording and questions are not predetermined 7. Include a number of planned questions, but the interviewer has more freedom to modify the wording and order of questions. 8. Recordings or logs of system or website activity. 9. Analysis of documents belonging to an organization. 10. Accurate and systematic data collection is critical to conducting scientific research.