Data Collection Methods PDF

DATA COLLECTION Data collection is the process of collecting and analyzing information on relevant variables in a predetermined, organized way so that one can respond to specific research questions, test  Field Notes  A running account of what happens or tra...

DATA COLLECTION Data collection is the process of collecting and analyzing information on relevant variables in a predetermined, organized way so that one can respond to specific research questions, test  Field Notes  A running account of what happens or transcriptions of video or audio tapes.  It is important to be thorough in taking field notes, particularly at the earliest phases of research; as much as possible, try to get the whole picture of what is happening.  Personal Notes  Personal reactions, how you feel, self- reflection, memories, and impressions.  A bit like a diary, so you can later see your own possible influences on the data and the effects of personal events to the data collection and analysis.  Methodology Notes  Description of methods used, reasons for using those methods, ideas for possible changes in methodology.  This is used for keeping track of changes and rational for changes  Theoretical Notes  Also can include guesses and hunches to follow up later in your research.  Describe changes made to emergent categories and hypotheses, and the reasons why those changes were made.  Data is usually collected through sustained contact with people in the settings where they normally spend their time.  The researcher enters the world of the people he or she plans to study, gets to know, be known, and trusted by them, and systematically keeps a detailed written record of what is heard and observed Three Main Methods of Data Collections  Interactive Interviewing  People asked to verbally described their experiences of phenomenon.  Written Descriptions by participants  People asked to write descriptions of their experiences of phenomenon.  Observation  Descriptive observations of verbal and non-verbal behavior.  INTERVIEW The purpose of the interview is to verify information gathered from written sources; to clarify points of information; to update information; and to collect data.  Whom to interview: Knowledgeable, reliable and available Types of Interview  Structured or  questionsStandardized are fixed with interview schedule  a research instrument with a logically ordered questions which the researcher asks of the respondents.  Unstructured  flexible and open  Contents, sequence and wordings are up to the interviewer.  Do’s and Don’t’s o Don’t talk too much. o Don’t argue o Be courteous in asking o Don’t appear learned. o Make your questions brief. o Don’t use big words. o Arrive promptly. End the o Don’t irate worn spots. interview at the promised o Don’t tell inappropriate time. stories.  Task to Do Use Observation technique in the following scenario. Record the points of results on a short bond paper.  Your daily routine  Your Mother’s daily routine  Someone’s daily routine