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Data Classification
Dr. Brijesh Awasthi

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Data Collection Methods

& Tools For Research
Dr. Brijesh Awasthi

What is Data Collection?

• 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.

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• 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 predictions about future probabilities
and trends.

• 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.

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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
• 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
• Quantitative data collection methods.

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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.

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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.
Also, methods of correlation and regression, mean, mode and median.

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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.

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.

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• 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. Case
Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or
Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.
• 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.
• 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

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Data Collection Methods

• INTERVIEW

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.
• Use this interview consent form template to let interviewee give you consent
to use data gotten from your interviews for investigative research purpose.

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Types of Interviews
• 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

• In-depth information
• Freedom of flexibility
• Accurate data.

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Cons

• Time-consuming
• Expensive to collect.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Data Collection Tools for Questionnaire

• 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.

• Online Questionnaire

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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.

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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.

Data Collection Tools for Reporting

• NGO Reports
• Newspapers
• Website Articles
• Hospital Care records

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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.

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Cons

• Problems with evaluation.

• Difficulty in understanding.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Create The Best Surveys For Data Collections

• Define the goal of your survey
• Use close-ended clearly defined questions
• Survey outlook should be attractive and Inviting
• Assure Respondents about the safety of their data
• Ensure your survey can be completed in record time
• Do a trial survey
• Attach a reward upon completion for users

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