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RESEARCH II
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 3

Data Collection Methods

and Tools
Reminders in using this module:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Check your answers on an activity using the answer key.
5. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
6. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
7. Submit your answers at the given date and time.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
This module was designed and written with you in mind. This module will help you
understand the different data collection methods and tools in your research work.
The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations.
The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons
are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course.

What I Need to Know

Week 2 (Module 3)
 Lesson 1 – Research Data Collection Methods and Tools

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Enumerate and describe the different data collection methods.
2. Recognize the different tools appropriate for each data collection methods.
 What I Know

Multiple Choice. Before you study the lessons of this module, answer the following
to test your existing knowledge. Write the capital letter of the correct answer on
your answer sheet.

___1. Which of the following importance of data collection is incorrect?

A. support a need for a new data, change or innovation
B. increase risk of errors in decision-making
C. ensure the integrity of the research
D. reduce the likelihood of errors

___2. Which type of interview is simply a verbally administered questionnaire,

completed within a short period but lacks depth?
A. Semi-structured interviews
B. Unstructured interviews
C. Structured interviews
D. none of the choices

___3. Which of the following data is collected by a researcher through first-hand

sources?
A. Primary Data
B. Tertiary Data
C. Secondary Data
D. None of the above choices

___4. Data collection tools refers to the devices or instruments used to collect
data. Which of the following is not a data collection tool?
A. Survey Questionnaire C. Observation
B. Interview Guide D. Checklists

___5. Which of the following tools collects qualitative data in primary data
collection?
A. Online surveys
B. In depth interviews
C. Emailed survey questionnaire
D. Directly observed lab measurements

___6. An instrument consisting of a series of questions and prompts to receive a

response from individuals it is administered to is called a __________.
A. Interview guide C. Checklist
B. Questionnaire D. Journal

___7. Which of the following tools collects quantitative data in primary data
collection?
A. Online forums
B. Community interviews
C. Focus group discussion
D. Paper survey questionnaire

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___8. Which of the following data collection tool for written data is a scholarly
publication containing articles written by researchers, professors or other
experts in the field?
A. Research journals C. Web articles
B. News Articles D. Surveys

___9. This method of data collection encompasses the use of innovative methods to
enhance participation to both individuals and groups.
A. Interview C. Focus Group
B. Observation D. Combination research

___10. The methodical process of gathering and analyzing specific information to

proffer solutions to relevant questions and evaluate the results is termed as
__________.
A. Data Collection
B. Problem Identification
C. Formulating Hypothesis
D. Data Gathering Instruments

Research Data Collection Methods and

Lesson 1 Tools

You have learned from the previous module that there several type of
research data you must appropriately gather for your study. In this module, you
will study the different methods of gathering and collecting data including the right
tools for each one.

What’s In

Before we proceed in to our lesson proper, we will going to revisit the types
of research data. Fill up the table below your own description of the types of
research data and provide an example of each.

Observational Experimental Simulation Derived

Description
Example

At this moment, you have already mastered the different types of research
data. Continue studying this module for you to learn the different methods of
collecting your data.

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 What’s New

What is Data Collection?

The underlying need for Data collection is to capture quality evidence that
seeks to answer all the questions that have been posed. Through data collection
researchers can deduce quality information that is a general prerequisite in
improving quality of life. To improve the quality of information, it is expedient that
data is collected so that you can draw inferences and make scholarly conclusions
on what is considered factual.

Data collection is a methodical process of gathering and analyzing specific

information to proffer solutions to relevant questions and evaluate the results. It
focuses on finding out all there is to a particular subject matter. Data is collected
to be further subjected to hypothesis testing which seeks to explain a phenomenon.
Hypothesis testing eliminates assumptions while making a proposition from the
basis of reason.

For collectors of data, there is a range of outcomes for which the data is
collected. But the key purpose for which data is collected is to put a researcher in
a vantage position to make conclusions and eventually recommendations for
modifications of knowledge or theories or and future researches.

The core forms in which data can be collected are primary and secondary data.
While the former is collected by a researcher through first-hand sources, the latter
is collected by an individual other than the user.

What is It

Types of Data Collection

Before broaching the subject of the various types of data collection. It is

pertinent to note that data collection in itself falls under two broad categories;
Primary data collection and secondary data collection.

Primary Data Collection

Primary data collection by definition is the gathering of raw data collected at the
source. It is a process of collecting the original data collected by a researcher for a
specific research purpose. It could be further analyzed into two segments;
qualitative research and quantitative data collection methods.

 Qualitative Research Method

The qualitative research methods of data collection does not involve the
collection of data that involves numbers or a need to be deduced through a
mathematical calculation, rather it is based on the non-quantifiable elements like
the feeling or emotion of the researcher. An example of such a method is, an open-
ended questionnaire.

The figure on the next page show example of tools for qualitative data gathering.

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Figure 1. Examples of Qualitative Data Gathering Tools

 Quantitative Method

Quantitative methods are presented in numbers and require a mathematical

calculation to deduce. An example would be the use of a questionnaire with close-
ended questions to arrive at figures to be calculated mathematically through
different modalities as seen in figure 2. Also, methods of correlation and regression,
mean, mode and median.

Figure 1. Examples of Qualitative Data Gathering Tools

Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data collection, on the other hand, is referred to as the gathering

of second-hand data collected by an individual who is not the original user. It is
the process of collecting data that is already existing, be it already published
books, journals and/or online portals. In terms of ease, it is much less expensive
and easier to collect.

Your choice between Primary data collection and secondary data collection
depend on the nature, scope and area of your research as well as its aims and
objectives.

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IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

There are a bunch of underlying reasons for collecting data, especially for a
researcher. Walking you through them, here are a few reasons;

 Integrity of The Research

A key reason for collecting data, be it through quantitative or qualitative methods

is to ensure that the integrity of the research question is indeed maintained.

 Reduce the likelihood of errors

The correct use of appropriate data collection of methods reduces the likelihood of
errors consistent with the results.

 Decision Making

To minimize the risk of errors in decision making, it is important that accurate data
is collected so that the researcher doesn't make uninformed decisions.

 Save Cost and Time

Data collection saves the researcher time and funds that would otherwise be
misspent without a deeper understanding of the topic or subject matter.

 To support a need for a new idea, change and/or innovation

To prove the need for a change in the norm or the introduction of new information
that will be widely accepted, it is important to collect data as evidence to support
these claims.

What is a Data Collection Tool?

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data,

such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system.It is
important to decide the tools for data collection because research is carried out in
different ways and for different purposes. The objective behind data collection is to
capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of
convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed.

IMPORTANT! The objective behind data collection is to capture quality evidence that
allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the
questions that have been posed

DATA COLLECTION METHODS AND TOOLS

The following are the data collection methods for academic, opinion-based or
product research. Also discussed in detail is the nature, pros and cons of each one.
At the end of this segment, you will be best informed about which method best suits
your research.

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INTERVIEW

An interview is a face-to-face conversation between two individuals with the sole

purpose of collecting relevant information to satisfy a research purpose. Interviews
are of different types namely; Structured, Semi-structured and unstructured with
each having a slight variation from the other.

 Structured Interviews - Simply put, it is a verbally administered

questionnaire. In terms of depth, it is surface level and is usually completed
within a short period. For speed and efficiency, it is highly recommendable,
but it lacks depth.
 Semi-structured Interviews - In this method, there subsist several key
questions which cover the scope of the areas to be explored. It allows a little
more leeway for the researcher to explore the subject matter.
 Unstructured Interviews - It is an in-depth interview that allows the
researcher to collect a wide range of information with a purpose. An
advantage of this method is the freedom it gives a researcher to combine
structure with flexibility even though it is more time-consuming.

Pros Cons

 In-depth information  Time-consuming

 Freedom of flexibility  Expensive to collect.
 Accurate data.

What are the best Data Collection Tools for Interviews?

For collecting data through interviews, here are a few tools you can use to easily
collect data.

 Audio Recorder
An audio recorder is used for recording sound on disc, tape, or film. Audio
information can meet the needs of a wide range of people, as well as provide
alternatives to print data collection tools.

 Digital Camera
An advantage of a digital camera is that it can be used for transmitting those images
to a monitor screen when the need arises.

 Camcorder
A camcorder is used for collecting data through interviews. It provides a
combination of both an audio recorder and a video camera. The data provided is
qualitative in nature and allows the respondents to answer questions asked
exhaustively. If you need to collect sensitive information during an interview, a
camcorder might not work for you as you would need to maintain your subject’s
privacy.

QUESTIONNAIRES
This is the process of collecting data through an instrument consisting of a
series of questions and prompts to receive a response from individuals it is
administered to. Questionnaires are designed to collect data from a group. For
clarity, it is important to note that a questionnaire isn't a survey, rather it forms a
part of it. A survey is a process of data gathering involving a variety of data collection
methods, including a questionnaire.
On a questionnaire, there are three kinds of questions used. They are; fixed-
alternative, scale, and open-ended. With each of the questions tailored to the nature
and scope of the research.

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Pros
 Can be administered in large numbers and is cost-effective.
 It can be used to compare and contrast previous research to measure
change.
 Easy to visualize and analyze.
 Questionnaires offer actionable data.
 Respondent identity is protected.
 Questionnaires can cover all areas of a topic.
 Relatively inexpensive.
Cons
 Answers may be dishonest or the respondents lose interest midway.
 Questionnaires can't produce qualitative data.
 Questions might be left unanswered.
 Respondents may have a hidden agenda.
 Not all questions can be analyzed easily.

What are the best Data Collection Tools for Questionnaire?

If you have got lots of questions, needs lots of answers, want to test existing
hypotheses and produce new theories, you can use questionnaire form templates
to get actionable trends and measurable responses.
 Paper Questionnaire
A paper questionnaire is a data collection tool consisting of a series of questions
and/or prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Mostly
designed for statistical analysis of the responses, they can also be used as a form
of data collection.

REPORTING
By definition, data reporting is the process of gathering and submitting data
to be further subjected to analysis. The key aspect of data reporting is reporting
accurate data because of inaccurate data reporting leads to uninformed decision
making.
Pros
 Informed decision making.
 Easily accessible.
Cons
 Self-reported answers may be exaggerated.
 The results may be affected by bias.
 Respondents may be too shy to give out all the details.
 Inaccurate reports will lead to uninformed decisions.

What are the best Data Collection Tools for Reporting?

Reporting tools enable you to extract and present data in charts, tables, and
other visualizations so users can find useful information. You could source data for
reporting from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) reports, newspapers,
website articles, health records.
 NGO Reports
Contained in NGO reports is an in-depth and comprehensive report on the
activities carried out by the NGO, covering areas such as sciences and human
rights. The information contained in these reports are research-specific and forms
an acceptable academic base towards collecting data. NGOs often focus on
development projects which are organized to promote particular causes.
 Newspapers
Newspaper data are relatively easy to collect and are sometimes the only
continuously available source of event data. Even though there is a problem of bias
in newspaper data, it is still a valid tool in collecting data for Reporting.
 Website Articles

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 Gathering and using data contained in website articles is also another tool for
data collection. Collecting data from web articles is a quicker and less expensive
data collection Two major disadvantages of using this data reporting method are
biases inherent in the data collection process and possible security/confidentiality
concerns.
 Health Care records
Health care involves a diverse set of public and private data collection systems,
including health surveys, and medical records. The data provided is clear, unbiased
and accurate, but must be obtained under the legal means as medical data is kept
with the strictest regulations.

EXISTING DATA
This is the introduction of new investigative questions in addition to/other
than the ones originally used when the data was initially gathered. It involves
adding measurement to a study or research. An example would be sourcing data
from an archive.
Pros
 Accuracy is very high.
 Easily accessible information.
Cons
 Problems with evaluation.
 Difficulty in understanding.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Existing Data?
The concept of Existing data means that data is collected from existing sources to
investigate research questions other than those for which the data were originally
gathered. Tools to collect existing data include:
 Research Journals - Unlike newspapers and magazines, research journals
are intended for an academic or technical audience, not general readers. A
journal is a scholarly publication containing articles written by researchers,
professors, and other experts.
 Surveys - A survey is a data collection tool for gathering information from a
sample population, with the intention of generalizing the results to a larger
population. Surveys have a variety of purposes and can be carried out in
many ways depending on the objectives to be achieved.

OBSERVATION
This is a data collection method by which information on a phenomenon is
gathered through observation. The nature of the observation could be accomplished
either as a complete observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an
observer or as a complete participant. This method is a key base of formulating a
hypothesis and common in experimental researches.
Pros
 Easy to administer.
 There subsists a greater accuracy with results.
 It is a universally accepted practice.
 It diffuses the situation of an unwillingness of respondents to administer a
report.
 It is appropriate for certain situations.
Cons
 Some phenomena aren’t open to observation.
 It cannot be relied upon.
 Bias may arise.
 It is expensive to administer.
 Its validity cannot be predicted accurately.

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What are the best Data Collection Tools for Observation?
Observation involves the active acquisition of information from a primary source.
Observation can also involve the perception and recording of data via the use of
scientific instruments. The best tools for Observation are:
 Checklists - state specific criteria, allow users to gather information and
make judgments about what they should know in relation to the outcomes.
They offer systematic ways of collecting data about specific behaviors,
knowledge, and skills.
 Direct observation - This is an observational study method of collecting
evaluative information. The evaluator watches the subject in his or her usual
environment without altering that environment.

FOCUS GROUPS
The opposite of quantitative research which involves numerical based data,
this data collection method focuses more on qualitative research. It falls under the
primary category for data based on the feelings and opinions of the respondents.
This research involves asking open-ended questions to a group of individuals
usually ranging from 6-10 people, to provide feedback.
Pros
 Information obtained is usually very detailed.
 Cost-effective when compared to one-on-one interviews.
 It reflects speed and efficiency in the supply of results.
Cons
 Lacking depth in covering the nitty-gritty of a subject matter.
 Bias might still be evident.
 Requires interviewer training
 The researcher has very little control over the outcome.
 A few vocal voices can drown out the rest.
 Difficulty in assembling an all-inclusive group.

What are the best Data Collection Tools for Focus Groups?
A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly facilitated and structured
around a set of questions. The purpose of the meeting is to extract from the
participants' detailed responses to these questions. The best tools for tackling Focus
groups are:
 Two-Way - One group watches another group answer the questions posed
by the moderator. After listening to what the other group has to offer, the
group that listens are able to facilitate more discussion and could potentially
draw different conclusions.
 Dueling-Moderator - There are two moderators who play the devil’s
advocate. The main positive of the dueling-moderator focus group is to
facilitate new ideas by introducing new ways of thinking and varying
viewpoints.

COMBINATION RESEARCH
This method of data collection encompasses the use of innovative methods to
enhance participation to both individuals and groups. Also under the primary
category, it is a combination of Interviews and Focus Groups while
collecting qualitative data. This method is key when addressing sensitive subjects.
Pros
 Encourage participants to give responses.
 It stimulates a deeper connection between participants.
 The relative anonymity of respondents increases participation.
 It improves the richness of the data collected.
Cons
 It costs the most out of all the top 7.
 It's the most time-consuming.

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What are the best Data Collection Tools for Combination Research?
The Combination Research method involves two or more data collection methods,
for instance, interviews as well as questionnaires or a combination of semi-
structured telephone interviews and focus groups. The best tools for combination
research are:
 Online Survey - The two tools combined here are online interviews and the
use of questionnaires. This is a questionnaire that the target audience can
complete over the Internet. It is timely, effective and efficient. Especially since
the data to be collected is quantitative in nature.
 Dual-Moderator - The two tools combined here are focus groups and
structured questionnaires. The structured questioners give a direction as to
where the research is headed while two moderators take charge of
proceedings. Whilst one ensures the focus group session progresses
smoothly, the other makes sure that the topics in question are all covered.
Dual-moderator focus groups typically result in a more productive session
and essentially leads to an optimum collection of data.

Creating The Best Surveys For Data Collections

 Define the goal of your survey - Once the goal of your survey is outlined,
it will aid in deciding which questions are the top priority. A clear attainable
goal would for example, mirror a clear reason as to why something is
happening. e.g. "The goal of this survey is to understand why students prefer
online classes during the pandemic."
 Use close-ended clearly defined questions - Avoid open-ended questions
and ensure you're not suggesting your preferred answer to the respondent.
If possible offer a range of answers with choice options and ratings.
 Survey outlook should be attractive and Inviting - An attractive looking
survey encourages a higher number of recipients to respond to the
survey. You could use images and videos to keep participants glued to their
screens in online surveys.
 Assure Respondents about the safety of their data - You want your
respondents to be assured whilst disclosing details of their personal
information to you. It's your duty to inform the respondents that the data
they provide is confidential and only collected for the purpose of research.
 Ensure your survey can be completed in record time - Ideally, in a typical
survey, users should be able to respond in 100 seconds. It is pertinent to
note that they, the respondents, are doing you a favour. Don't stress them.
Be brief and get straight to the point.
 Do a trial survey - Preview your survey before sending out your surveys to
the intended respondents. Make a trial version which you'll send to a few
individuals. Based on their responses, you can draw inferences and decide
whether or not your survey is ready for the big time.
 Attach a reward upon completion for users - Give your respondents
something to look forward to at the end of the survey. Think of it as a penny
for their troubles. It could well be the encouragement they need to not
abandon the survey midway.

At this point, you are now equipped with knowledge regarding the different tools
in data gathering which you can utilized in conducting your researches in the
special science program. Perform the following activity to further solidify your
knowledge regarding this topic.

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 What’s More

Activity 1 Copy the template below on your answer sheets and fill it up with a brief
description, at least one advantage and disadvantage, and the appropriate tools for
each of the methods in data gathering.

Questionnaire

Existing Data

Focus Group

Combination
Observation
Reporting

Research
Interview
Description
Advantage
Disadvantages
Appropriate
tools

What I Have Learned

Based from what you have learned, what is the most appropriate data
gathering method and tool for your current research? . Write your main learning
insights on your notebook.
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

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 Summative Assessment

Written Work (50%) I. Multiple Choice. Direction. Write the capital letter of the
correct answer on your answer sheet.

___1. The methodical process of gathering and analyzing specific information to

proffer solutions to relevant questions and evaluate the results is termed as
__________.
A. Data Collection C. Formulating Hypothesis
B. Problem Identification D. Data Gathering Instruments

___2. Which of the following data is collected by a researcher through first-hand

sources?
A. Primary Data C. Secondary Data
B. Tertiary Data D. None of the above choices

___3. Which of the following tools collects qualitative data in primary data
collection?
A. Online surveys
B. In depth interviews
C. Emailed survey questionnaire
D. Directly observed lab measurements

___4. Which of the following tools collects quantitative data in primary data
collection?
A. Online forums
B. Community interviews
C. Focus group discussion
D. Paper survey questionnaire

___5. Which of the following importance of data collection is incorrect?

A. reduce the likelihood of errors
B. ensure the integrity of the research
C. increase risk of errors in decision-making
D. support a need for a new data, change or innovation

___6. Data collection tools refers to the devices or instruments used to collect
data. Which of the following is not a data collection tool?
A. Survey Questionnaire C. Observation
B. Interview Guide D. Checklist

___7. Which type of interview is simply a verbally administered questionnaire,

completed within a short period but lacks depth?
A. Semi-structured interviews
B. Unstructured interviews
C. Structured interviews
D. none of the choices

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___8. An instrument consisting of a series of questions and prompts to receive a
response from individuals it is administered to is called a __________.
A. Interview guide
B. Questionnaire
C. Checklist
D. Journal

___9. Which of the following data collection tool for wxisting data is a scholarly
puiblication containing articles written by researchers, professors or other
experts in the field?
A. Research journals
B. News Articles
C. Web articles
D. Surveys

___10. This method of data collection encompasses the use of innovative methods
to enhance participation to both individuals and groups.
A. Interview
B. Observation
C. Focus Group
D. Combination research

Part II. Directions. Match the data collection tools in Column A with the
appropriate methods in column B. Write the correct answer on your answer sheets.

Column A Column B
_____1. Camcorder A. Combination Research
_____2. Newspaper B. Questionnaire
_____3. Research journals C. Existing Data
_____4. Checklist D. Focus Group
_____5. Dueling-moderator E. Observation
_____6. Verbal questionnaire F. Reporting
_____7. Hedonic scale G. Interview
_____8. Website Articles
_____9. Healthcare records
_____10. Surveys

Performance Task (50%)

Directions. Create a mind map regarding data collection methods and tools with
the central idea “DATA COLLECTION METHODS”. (Criteria: Creativity- 5 points,
Organization of ideas- 15 points, Total 20 points)

Congratulations in finishing Module 3 for Quarter 2! Make sure that you have
accomplished all the activities. You can always ask your teacher if there are some
parts which you find hard to understand.

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 Answer Key

10. C
9. F
8. F
7. B
6. G
5. D
4. E
3. C
2. F
1. G
Part II.

10. A 10. D
9. A
9. D
8. B
8. A
7. C
7. D
6. C
6. B
5. C
5. B
4. D
4. C 3. B
3. A 2. A
2. C 1. A
1. B the module contents)
(Answers may vary based on Part I
What I Know Activity 1 Summative Test

References

1. Data Collection Methods and Tools for Research. Formplus (2020) retrievd from
https://www.formpl.us/data-collection-
method#:~:text=Case%20Studies%2C%20Checklists%2C%20Interviews%2C,ways%20
and%20for%20different%20purposes.
2. Data Collection Methods. Jotform Education (2020) retrieved from
https://www.jotform.com/data-collection-methods/
3. Best Data Collection Tools for Data Gathering (2020)). Retrieved from
https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/data-collection-tools/
4. Data Collection Tools: Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Technique
2020)). Retrieved from https://www.iedunote.com/data-collection-tools

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Kristopher C. Miranda, PhD
(Module Writer)
Agency: Tayug National High School
Contact Information
Phone Number: 09204209792
Email: [email protected]
FB Name: Noli Esmeña

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