Data is a unit of information that has been observed, collected, and analyzed in research for reference in decision-making
Questionnaires and Surveys
Distribution of an instrument online or in-person. May consist of open-ended or close-ended questions
Primary Data Collection
Collected from first-hand experience or directly from the research subject
Qualitative Data
In-depth interview
Observation methods
Focus group discussion
Document review
Oral history
Secondary Data Collection
Collected from a source that has already been published in any form
Quantitative Data
Data comes in the form of numbers, quantities, and values
Qualitative Data
Descriptive rather than numeric, assess factors like emotions, feelings, subjective perceptions of research participants
Common Sources of Data
Experiments
Surveys
Questionnaires
Interviews
Observations
Books
Records
Biographies
Newspapers
Published censuses
Data archives
Internet articles
Research articles
Databases
Quantitative Data
Relies on random sampling and structured data collection instruments
Questionnaires and Surveys
To obtain information about the general characteristics of the research participants
Interviews / Focus Group Discussions
To gain in-depth understanding of perceptions or opinion on a topic of interest
Data Collection
A process of acquiring and analyzing information on relevant variables in a predetermined, systematic way to respond to specified research questions, test hypothesis, and assess results
How to collect data for Secondary Data Collection
Find existing datasets that have already been collected, from sources such as government agencies or research organizations
Advantages of Secondary Data Collection
Inexpensive
Ease of access
Potential for comparative analysis such as longitudinal, cross-sectional, or contextual studies
Advantages of Interviews / Focus Group Discussions
Can build rapport with participant/s
Follow up questions can be given
Disadvantages of Secondary Data Collection
Currency and objectivity of research
Uncertain validity of some secondary data
Issues on authenticity and copyright
Secondary Data Collection
To analyze data from populations that you can't access first hand
Mark Twain: 'Data is like garbage... you'd better know what you're going to do with it before you collect it'
Disadvantages of Interviews / Focus Group Discussions
Time consuming to analyze response
Needs experienced facilitator and highly trained interviewers
Advantages of Archival Research
Less investment of time and money
Gains access to large amounts of data without interacting with research participants
Advantages of Experiment
Flexible to conduct the test under limitless conditions
Time-bounded
Disadvantages of Observation
Difficult to interpret observed behaviors
May be time consuming to record each individual event
Advantages of Observation
Exist in natural, unstructured, and flexible setting
Provide direct information about behavior of individuals or groups
Interviews / Focus Group Discussions
To gain in-depth understanding of perceptions or opinion on a topic of interest
How to collect data for Experiment
Manipulate variables and measure their effects on other variables
Archival Research
To understand current or historical events, conditions, or practices
How to collect data for Observation
Measure or survey a sample without trying to affect them
Disadvantages of forced choices
May miss certain responses from participants
Phrasing may create biases among responses
How to collect data for Archival Research
Assess manuscripts, documents, or records from libraries, depositories, or the internet
Factors to consider before data collection
Experiment
To test causal relationships
Disadvantages of Archival Research
Available information may be incomplete
Gathering information is dependent on quality of records kept
No guarantee of consistency
How to collect data for Interviews / Focus Group Discussions
Verbally ask participants open-ended questions in individual interviews or focus group discussions
Disadvantages of Experiment
Almost impossible to simulate the controlled environment to be exactly the same as that of the real world