Methods of data collection (research methodology)

METHODS OF DATA
COLLECTION
Collection of Primary Data- Observation Method, Interview Method - Collection of
Data through Questionnaires - Collection of Data through Schedules
MUHAMMED SABITH K
Mtech.-Structural Engineering
AWH Engineering College,Calicut

What is Data Collection?
It is the process by which the researcher collects
the information needed to answer the research
problem
The task of data collection begins after a
research problem has been defined and research
design chalked out.

In collecting the data,the researcher must decide:
Which data to collect?
How to collect the Data?
Who will collect the Data?
When to collect the Data?

The selection of a method for collecting
information depends upon the :-
Resources available
Credibility
Analysis and reporting
Resources
And the skill of the evaluator

Methods of Data Collection
Essentialy Two Types:
Primary Data
Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and
are original in character.
Secondary Data
Secondary data are those which have already been collected by
someone else and which have through some statistical analysis.

Collection of Primary Data
Primary Data may be collected through:
 Experiments
 Surveys (sample surveys or census surveys)
 Interviews
 Observation
 Questionnaires
 Schedules

Collection of Primary Data
Of the above, the important ones are:
1. Observation Method
2. Interview Method
3. Questionnaires
4. Schedules

1.Observation Method
Observation method is a method under which data from the
field is collected with the help of observation by the observer or
by personally going to the field.
In the words of P.V Young
“Observation may be defined as systematic viewing,coupled
with consideration of seen phenomenon.”

Steps For An Effective Observation
Determine what needs to be observed
Select participants
Random/Selected
Conduct the observation
(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs )
Compile data collected
Analyze and interpret data collected

Classification-1:-
Structured Observation
When the observation is characterized by a careful definition
of the units to be observed, the style of recording the observed
information, standardized conditions of observation and the
selection of related data of observation.
Unstructured Observation
When it takes place without the above characteristics.

Classification-2:-
Participant Observation
When the observer is member of the group which he is
observing then it is Participant Observation.
Non-Participant Observation
When observer is observing people without giving any
information to them then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.

Classification-3 :-
Uncontrolled Observation
When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e.,
uncontrolled observation.It is done to get spontaneous picture of
life and persons.
Controlled Observation
When observation takes place according to pre arranged
plans, with experimental procedure then it is controlled observation
generally done in laboratory under controlled condition.

Advantages of Observation
Produces Large quantities of data.
All data obtained from observations are usable.
The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time.
Relative Inexpensive

Disadvantages of observation
Interviewing selected subjects may provide more information,economically,
than waiting for the spontaneous occurance of the situation.
It is expensive method
Limited information.
Extensive Training is needed.

2.Interview Method
The Interview Method of collecting data involves presentation of
oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral- verbal responses.
Interviewer asks questions (which are aimed to get information
required for study) to respondent.

Steps For An Effective Interview
Prepare interview schedule
Select subjects/ key Respondant
Conduct the interview
Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview

Classifications:-
Structured Interviews :
In this case, a set of predecided questions are there.
Unstructured Interviews :
In this case, we don’t follow a system of pre-determined questions.
Focused Interviews :
Attention is focused on the given experience of the respondent and its
possible effects.

Classifications:-
Clinical Interviews :
Concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or
with the course of an individual’s life experience.
Group Interviews :
a group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed.
Qualitative and quantitative Interviews :
divided on the basis of subject matter i.e., whether
qualitative or quantitative.

Classifications:-
Individual Interviews :
Interviewer meets a single person and interviews him.
Selection Interviews :
Done for selection of people for certain Jobs.

Advantages:-
More information at greater depth can be obtained
Resistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewer
Personal information can be obtained

Disadvantages:-
It is an expensive Method
Interviewer bias
Respondent bias
Time consuming

3.Questionnaires
A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) to the persons
concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the
Questionnaire.
A Questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed in a
definite order on a form.

Steps For An Effective Questionnaire
Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)
Select your respondents
Random/Selected
Administer the questionnaire
(date, venue, time )
Tabulate data collected
Analyze and interpret data collected

Classifications:-
Open-ended questions
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own
words.
Close-ended or fixed alternative questions
This allows the respondents to choose one of the given
alternatives.
Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.

Essentials of Good Questionnaire
Should be short and simple
Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
Technical terms should be avoided
Should provide adequate space for answers in questionnaire
Directions regarding the filling of questionnaire should be given
Physical Appearance – Quality of paper, Color
Sequence must be clear

Advantages:-
Low cost –even when the universe is large and is widespread
Free from interviewer bias
Responddents have adequate time to think through the answers.
Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached
convieniently.
Large samples can be used.

Disadvantages:-
Time consuming
The respondents need to be educated and cooperative
This method is slow
Possibility of unclear replies

4.Schedules
Very similar to Questionnaire method
The main difference is that a schedule is filled by the enumerator
who is specially appointed for the purpose.
Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions
from the Questionnaire in the order listed, and records the
responses in the space provided.
Enumerator must be trained in administering the schedule.

Questionnaire Vs. Schedule
Questionnaire
Q generally send to through
mail and no further assistance
from sender.
Q is cheaper method.
Non response is high
Incomplete and wrong
information is more.
Depends on the quality of
questionnaire
Schedule
Schedule is filled by the
enumerator or research
worker.
Costly requires field workers.
Non response is low
Depends on Honesty of the
enumerator.
Relatively more correct and
complete

THANK YOU FOR YOUR Co-OPERATION

Methods of data collection (research methodology)

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