Information gathering can be from a variety of sources. Importantly to say, there are no best method of data collection. In principle, how data are being collected depends on the researcher’s nature of research or the phenomena being studied. Data collection is a crucial aspect in any level of research work. If data are inaccurately collected, it will surely impact the findings of the study, thereby leading to false or invaluable outcome. Data collection is a systematic method of collecting and measuring data gathered from different sources of information in order to provide answers to relevant questions. An accurate evaluation of collected data can help researchers predict future phenomenon and trends. Data collection can be classified into two, namely: primary and secondary data. Primary data are raw data i.e. fresh and are collected for the first time. Secondary data, on the other hand, are data that were previously collected and tested. The system of data collection is based on the type of study being conducted. Depending on the researcher’s research plan and design, there are several ways data can be collected. The most commonly used methods are: published literature sources, surveys (email and mail), interviews (telephone, face-to-face or focus group), observations, documents and records, and experiments. For more, check out this interesting book: New Methods of Market Research and Analysis 1. Literature sourcesThis involves the collection of data from already published text available in the public domain. Literature sources can include: textbooks, government or private companies’ reports, newspapers, magazines, online published papers and articles. This method of data collection is referred to as secondary data collection. In comparison to primary data collection, tt is inexpensive and not time consuming. 2. SurveysSurvey is another method of gathering information for research purposes. Information are gathered through questionnaire, mostly based on individual or group experiences regarding a particular phenomenon. There are several ways by which this information can be collected. Most notable ways are: web-based questionnaire and paper-based questionnaire (printed form). The results of this method of data collection are generally easy to analyse. 3. InterviewsInterview is a qualitative method of data collection whose results are based on intensive engagement with respondents about a particular study. Usually, interviews are used in order to collect in-depth responses from the professionals being interviewed. Interview can be structured (formal), semi-structured or unstructured (informal). In essence, an interview method of data collection can be conducted through face-to-face meeting with the interviewee(s) or through telephone. 4. ObservationsObservation method of information gathering is used by monitoring participants in a specific situation or environment at a given time and day. Basically, researchers observe the behaviour of the surrounding environments or people that are being studied. This type of study can be contriolled, natural or participant. Controlled observation is when the researcher uses a standardised precedure of observing participants or the environment. Natural observation is when participants are being observed in their natural conditions. Participant observation is where the researcher becomes part of the group being studied. 5. Documents and recordsThis is the process of examining existing documents and records of an organisation for tracking changes over a period of time. Records can be tracked by examining call logs, email logs, databases, minutes of meetings, staff reports, information logs, etc. For instance, an organisation may want to understand why there are lots of negative reviews and complains from customer about its products or services. In this case, the organisation will look into records of their products or services and recorded interaction of employees with customers. For more, check out this interesting book: New Methods of Market Research and Analysis 6. ExperimentsExperiemental research is a research method where the causal relationship between two variables are being examined. One of the variables can be manipulated, and the other is measured. These two variables are classified as dependent and independent variables. In experimental research, data are mostly collected based on the cause and effect of the two variables being studied. This type of research are common among medical researchers, and it uses quantitative research approach. If you are interested in my services, drop me a message or what you need. I will get back to you as soon as possible. For more, check out this interesting book: New Methods of Market Research and Analysis
DATA COLLECTION METHODS There are a number of methods available to the researcher for collecting data. The commonly used data collection methods can be divided into three basic types:
FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF COLLECTION METHOD Complexity of Topic The depth and complexity of the topic to be covered and, in particular, the nature and form of the questions, will often dictate the collection method to be employed. The likely quality or length of the response sought may also influence the choice of collection method. For instance, it is often difficult to obtain answers to complex questions using telephone surveys, whereas self-administered surveys can include detailed explanatory notes, and personal interviews with the aid of such features as show-cards can often yield a more detailed response. For surveys with complicated sequencing, an electronic version that performs this sequencing well is preferable to a paper version.Types of data The kind of topics that can be properly covered vary across data collection method. For sensitive topics, self-administered methods are generally preferred to interviews as they are seen as more private. Sometimes a face to face interview will include a self-administered module for this reason. Surveys which require respondents to check records before they can answer, or check with other people who may not be immediately available, should also use self-administered methods. For this reason a telephone survey might involve mailing a form out for respondents to complete, but ask them to read out their answers over the phone.Non-response The quality and reliability of survey data can be significantly affected by the degree of response to a survey. Although it is very rare to achieve a 100 per cent response rate for any survey, the choice of collection method can significantly influence the response rate obtained. Personal interviews can achieve a better response rate than mail surveys or telephone surveys because it is more difficult to refuse to a person's face. However other factors such as whether the survey is compulsory, whether it is repeated and how the follow-up is conducted can mediate the effect of method on response.Respondent Preference How the collection method fits in with the life style or working style of the respondent should influence what collection method will be used, as this will increase respondent motivation. For example, the Retail Business Survey works well as a CATI survey in part because the respondents do much of their business over the phone and therefore are comfortable with this method. Some respondents have a strong preference for completing their forms electronically, and since the Electronic Transaction Act (July 2001) came into effect, respondents can insist on their right to do this for ABS surveys.Resources Available When human resources, money or time are limited, the researcher may choose to use a less appropriate collection method in order to boost the number of responses or get the responses more quickly. Such an option is often in conflict with the quality requirements of the survey. To compromise, a planned reduction in data quality, a reduction in coverage or using a less systematic way of choosing a sample, might be alternatives presented to the researcher. The researcher might also seek resources or cost savings elsewhere.Sampling Frame and the Population The type and quality of the sampling frame may influence the choice of collection method. For example, if the target population includes the homeless, a mail survey is not suitable. The characteristics of the population may also influence the collection method. If we are interested in doing a survey which includes shift workers and other people who are not home during the times an interviewer could reach them, then a mail survey would be more appropriate than an interview.PERSONAL INTERVIEWS Personal Interview - Face to Face In the ABS personal interviews are used mostly for household social surveys. Personal interviews involve a trained interviewer going to the potential respondent, asking the questions and recording the responses. Because of the interaction involved when the interviewer is present, this method of data collection is effective in terms of:
Computer-Assisted Personal Interview When performing a computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI), the interviewer takes a laptop computer to the interview and codes the data into the computer as it is provided. This technique allows;
SELF-ENUMERATION METHODS In the ABS self-enumeration methods are mostly used in surveys of businesses. Self-enumeration surveys are those in which it is left to the respondents to complete the survey questionnaires. The following are three of the most common self-enumeration methods.Postal/Mail Survey Questionnaires are mailed out to respondents with a return-paid envelope so that the respondent can mail back the completed form. This technique allows:
Dropoff-Mailback and Dropoff-Pickup These two closely-related methods of self-enumeration surveys both provide higher response rates than postal surveys. In both cases, the questionnaire is delivered to respondents by an interviewer who explains the aims of the survey and how to fill out the questionnaire. The questionnaire is left with the respondent to be completed and either mailed back by the respondent or picked up by the interviewer at a later date. The costs involved in using interviewers makes this technique more expensive than postal surveys, but usually less expensive than personal interviews. This method has the same disadvantage as personal interviewing in that the respondent has to be available when the interviewer visits.Electronic Form or CASI An electronic form (eform) is an electronic version of the questionnaire that can be sent to the respondent's computer via email or accessed from the World Wide Web. The data entered onto an eform can be edited as it is entered, thus improving data quality. The use of electronic returns also produces a faster response than other self-enumeration methods. Questions can also be sequenced so that only the questions relevant to the respondent are visible. The disadvantages are: increased cost for development of the forms, maintenance of the related systems and security, and the absence of well-established design standards. Also, this technique requires respondents to have compatible computer software and help-desk type staff can be necessary to support the use of the form. Electronic forms on disk or CD are also sometimes used in mail-out or drop-off surveys instead of a paper form.TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS Telephone Interview In the ABS telephone surveys are used for both household and business surveys to some extent, however telephone data collection methods are used more widely for intensive follow-up and post-enumeration tests. Telephone interviews involve potential respondents being telephoned and asked the survey questions over the phone. This technique:
Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview Computer assisted data collection methods can also be used in telephone surveys. Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) involves responses being keyed directly into a computer by the telephone interviewer. This technique allows for:
|