Quantitative Data

Collection Techniques
 Quantitative Data Collection
Techniques

Quantitative data collection methods rely on

random sampling and structured data collection
instruments that fit diverse experiences into
predetermined response categories.
 Data collection

●It is the process of gathering and measuring

information on variables of interest, in an
established systematic fashion that enables one
to answer stated research questions, test
hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.
 Quantitative data

● It is numerical in nature and can be mathematically

computed. Quantitative data measure uses different
scales, which can be classified as nominal scale,
ordinal scale, interval scale and ratio scale. Often (not
always), such data includes measurements of
something.
 Mixed Methods

● Mixed methods approach as design, combining both

qualitative and quantitative research data, techniques and
methods within a single research framework. Mixed methods
approaches may mean a number of things, i.e. a number of
different types of methods in a study or at different points
within a study or using a mixture of qualitative and
quantitative methods.
 Some of the common areas in which mixed-method
approaches may be used includes:

 Initiating, designing, developing and expanding interventions;

 Evaluation;
 Improving research design; and
 Corroborating findings, data triangulation or convergence. Some of
the challenges of using a mixed methods approach include –
 Delineating complementary qualitative and quantitative research
questions;
 Time-intensive data collection and analysis; and
 Decisions regarding which research methods to combine.
 Primary Data

● Data that has been collected from first-hand-

experience is known as primary data. Primary data has
not been published yet and is more reliable, authentic
and objective. Primary data has not been changed or
altered by human beings; therefore its validity is
greater than secondary data.
Sources of Primary Data
 Experiments

●Experiments require an artificial or natural

setting in which to perform logical study to
collect data. Experiments are more suitable for
medicine, psychological studies, nutrition and for
other scientific studies.
 Survey
●Survey is most commonly used method in social sciences,
management, marketing and psychology to some extent. Surveys can
be conducted in different methods.
A. Questionnaire: It is the most commonly used method in survey.
Questionnaires are a list of questions either open-ended or close-
ended for which the respondents give answer.
B. Interview: is a face-to-face conversation with the respondent.
C. Observations: Observation can be done while letting the observing
person know that s/he is being observed or without letting him know.
 Advantages of Using Primary Data

●The investigator collects data specific to

the problem under study.
● There is no doubt about the quality of the
data collected (for the investigator).
● If required, it may be possible to obtain
additional data during the study period.
 Disadvantages of using Primary Data

1.The investigator has to contend with all the

hassles of data collection.
2. Ensuring the data collected is of a high
standard.
3. Cost of obtaining the data is often the
major expense in studies.
 Gathering primary quantitative data

• Sampling and measurement Population and

sample size. The collection of primary data
requires that the researcher clearly define the
population under investigation, as well as the
units of analysis that constitute that population.
 Gathering primary quantitative data

1.Probability sampling uses a random selection process

and gives every member of the population an equal
chance of being included in the sample.
2. Non-probability sampling involves a specific sample
chosen on the basis of particular characteristics or
similar differentiating features relevant to the study;
therefore, it cannot be used to determine whether the
results of the study are representative of the entire
population
SECONDARY DATA
 SECONDARY DATA
Data collected from a source that
has already been published in any
form is called as secondary data.
The review of literature in any
research is based on secondary
data. It is collected by someone
else for some other purpose (but
being utilized by the investigator
for another purpose).
 Sources of Secondary Data
The following are some ways of collecting secondary data:
 Books  Newspapers
 Records  Published censuses or other
statistical data  Databases, etc.
 Biographies  Data archives
 Internet articles  Research articles by other
researchers(journals)
 IMPORTANCE OF SECONDARY
DATA

Secondary data can be less valid but its importance is still

there. Sometimes it is difficult to obtain primary data; in these
cases getting information from secondary sources is easier and
possible. Sometimes primary data does not exist in such situation
one has to confine the research on secondary data. Sometimes
primary data is present but the respondents are not willing to
reveal it in such case too secondary data can suffice.
 Advantages of Using Secondary Data
 No hassles of data collection.
 It is less expensive.
 The investigator is not personally responsible for the quality
of data (‘I didn’t do it’).
Disadvantages of Using Secondary Data
 The data collected by the third party may not be a reliable
party so the reliability and accuracy of data go down.
 Data collected in one location may not be suitable for the
other one due variable environmental factor.
 With the passage of time the data becomes obsolete and
very old.
 Disadvantages of Using Secondary Data
 Secondary data collected can distort the results of the research. For
using secondary data a special care is required to amend or modify for
use.
 Secondary data can also raise issues of authenticity and copyright.
Keeping in view the advantages and disadvantages of sources of data
requirement of the research study and time factor, both sources of
data i.e. primary and secondary data have been selected. These are
used in combination to give proper coverage to the topic.
 Measurement Scales for Quantitative Data
Nominal
o Each variable has a different value but there is no order, categorizing people
based on gender, religion, position, etc. For example, in a survey where there are
values of gender, male and female may come with a numerical value (male = 0,
female = 1).
Ordinal
o Data follows a specific progressive order based on values (for example, degree
types like bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral). When we are interested in ranking
data, we can use the ordinal level of measurement. The identification of runners
who came 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a race is an example of ranking.
 Measurement Scales for Quantitative Data
Ratio
o Data is continuous and has an absolute zero. The zero point indicates the total
absence of the attribute measured. Ratio data is very similar in properties to
interval data. A good example is temperature, which can go down to zero
degrees. Data relating to area, volume, and weight are examples of variables that
can be measured on a ratio scale.
Interval
o This data is continuous and has an order along a scale (e.g., ratings of 1 to 5).
Each value is equally spaced from the value before and after (e.g., distance
between 1 and 2 is equal to the distance between 2 and 3). Suppose a student
got zero in a test in English vocabulary
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