Approaches to Data Gathering

• Observation - is a purposeful, systematic and selective way of watching and listening to an interaction or phenomenon as it takes place; best method of data collection, esp. when respondents are not cooperative or unaware of the answer.
• Participant Observation - research participate in the activities of the group being observed in the same manner as its members whether they know that they are being observed or not.
• Non-participant observation - researchers does not get involved in the activities of the group but remain passive observer.
• Unstructured interview - the researcher has complete freedom to use words, content, or structure.
• Structured interview - the researcher asks a predetermined set of questions.
• Questionnaire - questions intended to provide answers to the problems of the study.