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Data Collection Methods 3

The document discusses several methods for collecting data, including direct observation, experiments, surveys, questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and laboratory analysis. It provides details on how to construct questionnaires, conduct interviews, establish focus groups, and ensure proper communication for laboratory analysis. Both advantages and disadvantages are outlined for each method.

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akoeljames8543
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21 views

Data Collection Methods 3

The document discusses several methods for collecting data, including direct observation, experiments, surveys, questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and laboratory analysis. It provides details on how to construct questionnaires, conduct interviews, establish focus groups, and ensure proper communication for laboratory analysis. Both advantages and disadvantages are outlined for each method.

Uploaded by

akoeljames8543
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DATA COLLECTION

METHODS
Methods used to collect data
• There are many methods used to collect or obtain data for statistical
analysis.
• Three of the most popular methods are:
• Direct Observation
• Experiments and
• Surveys
Questionnaire.
Are a set of questions used to obtain important information about the
population.
KINDS OF QUESTIONS USED IN QUESTIONNAIRE.
1)Structured or close-ended questions
2)Unstructured or open—ended questions
3)Contigency questions
4)Matrix questions
Cont…
• RULES FOR CONSTUCTING QUESTIONNAIRES AND ITS ITEMS
1)List the objectives that you want the questionnaire to accomplish.
2)Determine how information obtained from each questionnaire item will be
analyzed
3)Clarity is essential
4)Short questions are preferred to long ones
5)Double—paralleled questions should be avoided
6)Include enough information in each item so that it is meaningful to the
respondent
7)Very personal and sensitive questions should be avoided.
WAYS OF ADMINISTERING
QUESTIONNAIRE
1)Self administering
2)Researcher administering
3)Use of internet
Qualities of a good questionnaire

a. Clarity of Language : must be understood by respondents in order to generate needed responses


b. Singleness of objective : an item must have one and only one answer
c. One-to-one correspondence: must correspond with the objectives of the study
d. Correct grammar, spelling, and construction
e. Well-stated title
f. It assures the respondents about the confidentiality of responses
g. It has a clear direction
h. There are no double-negative questions
i. It avoids double barreled questions
j. The design corresponds to an easy tabulation of data
Advantages of Questionnaires
i. It can reach large number of respondents at a time
ii. Repre-sample is possible
iii. Statistical test is possible
iv. It is practical
Disadvantages of Questionnaires
i. There is no way of telling how much thought a respondent a
respondent has put in
ii. People may read differently into each question
disadvantages of using a questionnaire cont..

 Responses to a questionnaire lack depth.


 Respondent may omit or disregard any item he chooses.
 Some items may force the subject to select responses that are not his actual
choice.
 Length of the questionnaire is limited according to the respondent’s interest.
 Printing may be costly especially if it is lengthy.
 Data are limited to the information that is voluntarily supplied by the respondents.
 Some items may be misunderstood.
 The sample is limited to those who are literate
Key Informant Interviews
• Interviewing involves asking respondents a series of open-ended
questions
• Interviews can generate both standardized quantifiable data, and
more in-depth qualitative data
• However, the complexities of people and the complexities of
communication can create many opportunities for miscommunication
and misinterpretation
Interview Types
• Interviews can range from:
• Formal to informal
• Structured to unstructured
• Can be one on one or involve groups
Conducting Interviews
 When conducting your interviews you will need to:
 Question, prompt, and probe in ways that help you gather rich data
 Actively listen and make sense of what is being said
 Manage the overall process
Advantages of Interviews
• It helps to capture verbal and non-verbal cues
• Helps the interviewer to keep focus
• Helps to capture emotions and behaviours
Disadvantage of Interviews
• Cost-expensive
• Quality of data received depends on the ability of the interviewer
• There is manual data entry
• Limited sample size
1. Participant Observation (cont’d)
• Today most ethnographers take an overt role
• I.e., their identity as a researcher is known to the people
being studied

• Covert participation (i.e., identity concealed from


participants) is fraught with ethical
Steps Involved in
Participant Observation Research

A. Gaining entry into the group

B. Developing and maintaining rapport

C. Developing a method for taking field notes

D. Integrating data collection and data analysis


Advantages of observation
• Allows access to people on real life situation
• Good for explaining meaning and content
• Can be strong on validity and in-depth understanding
Disadvantages
1) Time consuming
2) Depends on the role of researcher
3) Covert ethical principles contravened
4) Can be viewed as too subjective
Focus Groups
Establishing the Group
• Small group
• Coordination Issues
• Paying your subjects
• Finding a place
• Need at least two research team members; facilitation and
note-taking
• Purpose: RICH DATA not generalizability
Focus Groups
Advantages
 Real-life data in a social setting

 Flexibility

 Speedy results

 Low in cost

 Group Format generates discussion


Focus Group
Disadvantages
 Groupthink

 Less control than one-to-one interview

 Data more difficult to analyze

 Moderators need to be skilled

 Differences between groups can be troublesome

 Difficult to coordinate

 Reliability issues

 Recording process

 Probing and Follow-Up Questions

 INTERVIEWER TRAINING IS CRITICAL


Lab analysis
• Laboratory analyses of samples are generally performed by personnel
not directly involved in the collection of the samples being analyzed.
Samples are typically collected by one group working in the field, and
analyzed by a second group located in a laboratory.

• This separation of tasks can potentially lead to problems based on the


lack of communication between the two groups.

• Thus, communications between the Project Manager, field personnel,


and laboratory personnel are vital to ensuring the success of a project.
Advantages of lab tests
• Accuracy and precision
• Isolation of variables
• Reliability
Disadvantage
• Lack external validity
• Deception and lack of informed consent
• Practical problems
• Thank you

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