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Lecture 6 - Data Collection

This document provides an overview of data collection methods for technical report writing and research. It discusses the key aspects of data collection including sources, where information will come from, and methods, how information will be gathered. Common quantitative methods like surveys and tests are outlined as well as qualitative methods such as interviews and observations. The document emphasizes triangulating data through using multiple sources and methods to obtain a more accurate and comprehensive picture. Mixing methods can provide different types of information and using various instruments ensures thorough data collection. Sampling is also addressed as an option when collecting information from a large population.

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13 views

Lecture 6 - Data Collection

This document provides an overview of data collection methods for technical report writing and research. It discusses the key aspects of data collection including sources, where information will come from, and methods, how information will be gathered. Common quantitative methods like surveys and tests are outlined as well as qualitative methods such as interviews and observations. The document emphasizes triangulating data through using multiple sources and methods to obtain a more accurate and comprehensive picture. Mixing methods can provide different types of information and using various instruments ensures thorough data collection. Sampling is also addressed as an option when collecting information from a large population.

Uploaded by

Ali Hassen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TECHNICAL REPORT WRITING AND

RESEARCH METHODS
(COTM 3001)
LECTURE 6- DATA COLLECTION
BY
TADESSE AYALEW
DECEMBER 2011

Ethiopian institutes of architecture building construction


and city development (EiABC), AAU
Collecting data involves:

1) Sources - where you will


get the information; and

2) Methods - how you will


collect /gather the
information

Use this booklet for help


http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-04.pdf
SOURCE of information

From where or from whom will you get the


information?
 Existing information – records, reports, program
documents, logs, journals
 People – participants, parents, volunteers, teachers
 Pictorial records and observations – video or photos,
observations of events, artwork
METHODS of data collection

Common methods
include:
 Survey  Tests
 Case Study  Photograph, videotape,
slides
 Interview
 Diaries, journals, logs
 Observation
 Document review and
 Group assessment analysis
 Expert or peer reviews
Methods are often thought of as
quantitative or qualitative...

Quantitative methods Qualitative methods


Surveys Questionnaires Focus groups

Tests Unstructured interviews

Existing databases Unstructured observations


Quantitative and Qualitative information
"Not everything that counts can be counted."

5 (Quantity) Happy (Quality) Kids


Quantitative data collection methods produce
numbers.
Qualitative data collection methods produce words.

Quantitative and qualitative each has its strengths and


weaknesses.
Quantitative methods are more structured and allow
for aggregation and generalization.
Qualitative methods are more open and provide for
depth and richness.
What method shall be used?

There is no simple answer

There is no ONE best method

It all depends…
When choosing methods, consider…

 The purpose of your evaluation − Will the method allow you to


gather information that can be analyzed and presented in a way
that will be credible and useful to you and others?

 The respondents − What is the most appropriate method,


considering how the respondents can best be reached, how they
might best respond, literacy, cultural considerations, etc.?
Consider…

 What kind of data your stakeholders will find most credible


and useful
 Resources available. Time, money, and staff to design,
implement, and analyze the information. What can you
afford?
 Type of information you need. Numbers, percents,
comparisons, stories, examples, etc.
 Advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Often, it is better to use more than one
data collection method.

Why would this be so?


When we use several methods we say we are
‘triangulating’. Triangulation is important in evaluation
because we want accurate and trustworthy information.

Triangulation means the use of multiple sources and


methods to gain a better understanding. Each source and
each method has inherent biases so using more than one
source and/or method provides a more accurate picture.
How might you mix
sources of information
in your evaluation?

How might you mix


data collection methods
to evaluate your program?
Some ideas
Mix sources of information
For example, you might collect information from program
participants AND parents
Mix data collection methods
For example, you might survey participants AND
interview a sample of participants. You might conduct
focus group interviews with community service
participants AND observe the community service projects.
Mixing sources and methods

Thinking back on the examples in the previous slide,


what different type of information might you get from
the different sources and methods?

Using multiple sources and/or methods means more


time and resources.

The choice of data collection method ultimately


depends upon the resources you have available.
Instrument to collect the information
What will you use to
actually collect the data…

a recording sheet,
a questionnaire,
a video or
audio tape?
We use the term “instrument” to mean the tool on which
the data is actually recorded: the questionnaire, the
recording form, the video or audio tape, for example.

If you have selected a survey as your method, you


automatically know that you will need a questionnaire.
But, if you choose a method such as focus group or
interview or observation, think about what you will use
for recording the information.
Sample
Will you collect information from everyone or use a
sample?
A sample is a portion or a
subgroup of a larger group called
a population. Sometimes we want
to include everyone; other times it
is better to collect information
from a sample.

See the booklet, Sampling http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-03.pdf


Thank you

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