3.1.2 Data Collection Methods

• What are data collection methods used for in research investigations?

  Gathering information
• What type of data is typically collected through observations in a natural setting?

  Qualitative
• Interviews are time-consuming but provide rich, detailed information.


  True
• Experiments may not reflect real-world scenarios due to their controlled environment.


  True
• Interviews are flexible and allow for the exploration of topics.


  True
• Interviewer bias is a potential disadvantage of interviews.


  True
• Experiments establish causation but may not reflect real-world scenarios
• What type of data is collected through interviews?

  Qualitative
• What is the primary purpose of data collection methods?

  Gather information
• Why do researchers often use a combination of data collection methods?

  Comprehensive understanding
• A survey is a questionnaire distributed to a large number of people to collect opinions or factual data
• Document analysis involves examining existing written or visual materials
• Surveys provide in-depth understanding of individual perspectives.

  False
• Order the following data collection methods based on their level of flexibility:

  1️⃣ Experiments (Least flexible)

  2️⃣ Surveys (Moderately flexible)

  3️⃣ Interviews (Most flexible)

  4️⃣ Observations (Moderately flexible)

  5️⃣ Document Analysis (Moderately flexible)
• Interviews provide rich, detailed information due to their flexibility
• Experiments ensure objectivity by using a controlled environment
• Interviews are time-consuming but provide flexibility to explore topics in depth.

  True
• Interviews can be structured or unstructured.


  True
• Match the data collection method with its key feature:

  Surveys ↔️ Large sample size

  Interviews ↔️ In-depth insights

  Observations ↔️ Natural setting

  Experiments ↔️ Controlled environment
• Which data collection method establishes cause-and-effect relationships through manipulated variables?

  Experiments
• Surveys are known for their structured format and quantitative data
• Surveys are efficient for data collection but may lack in-depth understanding
• What is a limitation of observations as a data collection method?

  Potential for observer bias
• Surveys are questionnaires distributed to collect opinions or factual data
• Document analysis examines written or visual materials
• Steps to choose appropriate data collection methods

  1️⃣ Identify research objectives

  2️⃣ Determine type of data required

  3️⃣ Evaluate available resources
• What are data collection methods used for in research?

  Gathering information
• In which setting do observations take place?

  Natural setting
• Match the data collection method with its primary advantage:

  Surveys ↔️ Generalizable results

  Interviews ↔️ In-depth insights

  Observations ↔️ Captures real-time behavior

  Document Analysis ↔️ Cost-effective

  Experiments ↔️ Establishes causation
• Document analysis can provide access to historical trends
• Surveys are ideal for collecting qualitative data.

  False
• Match the data collection method with its primary disadvantage:

  Surveys ↔️ Lack of in-depth understanding

  Interviews ↔️ Time-consuming

  Observations ↔️ Difficult to replicate

  Document Analysis ↔️ May lack context

  Experiments ↔️ Ethical concerns
• One disadvantage of observations is the potential for observer bias
• What is the primary advantage of surveys in data collection?

  Efficient data collection
• What is a key disadvantage of document analysis in data collection?

  May lack context
• Match the data collection method with its suitability for language research:

  Surveys ↔️ Gathering broad, quantitative data on language use

  Interviews ↔️ Exploring complex language phenomena

  Observations ↔️ Capturing language use in natural contexts

  Document Analysis ↔️ Analyzing the evolution of language over time

  Experiments ↔️ Investigating specific linguistic phenomena
• Document analysis can be cost-effective and provide access to historical trends
• Informed consent ensures participants understand the purpose of the study and agree to provide data
• Researchers can ensure transparency by being open about the research process
• Surveys involve distributing questionnaires to collect opinions or factual data