RESEARCH METHODS

AND
SCIENTIFIC WRITING
Chapter-5 A
Data Collection Methods
 What is DATA?????
Data are the set of values of qualitative or quantitative
variables about one or more persons or objects.

 Data are simply units of information.

 Data are measured, collected, reported, analyzed, and used

to create data visualizations such as graphs, tables or
Images.
Quantitative Data (Numerical)
 Data refers to measurable observations.

 Examples-
Qualitative Data (categorial)
 Qualitative data is the data that can be arranged into categories
based on physical traits, gender, colors or anything that does not
have a number associated with it.
 Qualitative-involves more details tells you why, when and how!

 Examples-
 What is Data Collection?

➢It is the process by which the

researcher collects the information
needed to answer the research
problem.

➢The task of data collection begins

after a research problem has been
defined.
In collecting the data,the researcher
must decide:

➢ Which data is to collect?

➢ How to collect the Data?
➢ Who will collect the Data?
➢ When to collect the Data?
The Purpose of Data Collection
 Methods of Data Collection
Essentialy Two Types:
 Methods of Data Collection
➢ PRIMARY DATA
Primary data are those which are collected for the first
time and are original in character.

➢ SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data are those which have already been
collected-by someone else.
Primary Data v/s Secondary Data
Methods of Collecting Primary Data

Primary
• Observation
Data may • Surveys
be • Interviews
collected • Questionnaires
through: • Schedules
 1. Observation Method

Observation method is a method under which data

from the field is collected with the help of observation
by the observer or by personally going to the field.
Steps For An Effective Observation
Determine what needs to be observed

Select participants
Random/Selected

Conduct the observation

(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs )

Compile data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

 Types of OBSERVATION Methods
1- Structured Observation
When the observation is characterized by a careful definition
of the units to be observed (predefined), the style of recording the
observed information, standardized conditions of observation and
the selection of related data of observation.

2- Unstructured Observation
When it takes place without the above characteristics.
(Not predefined)
3- Participant Observation
When the observer is member of the group which he is
observing then it is Participant Observation.

4- Non-Participant Observation
When the observer is not the member of the group
which he is observing then it is Non-Participant Observation.

observer is observing people without giving any

information to them then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.
5- Uncontrolled Observation
When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e.,
uncontrolled observation.It is done to get spontaneous picture of
life and persons.

6- Controlled Observation

When observation takes place according to pre-arranged

plans, with experimental procedure then it is controlled observation
generally done in laboratory under controlled condition.
 Advantages of observation Method

Produces Large quantities of data.

All data obtained from observations are usable.

The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time.

Relative Inexpensive
disadvantages of observation
Method
Interviewing selected subjects may provide more
information, economically, than waiting for the
spontaneous occurrence of the situation.

Extensive Training is needed.

Limited information
ONE OF THE WIDELY USED RESEARCH
DESIGN TO COLLECT DATA IS

SURVEYS
How to collect Primary information through
survey
 A researcher can collect information
either

by observation

or

by asking.

 WHEN HE/SHE ASKS FOR INFORMATION, WE SAY

THAT HE/SHE IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY.
 2. SURVEY Method

 A ‘survey’ is a technique of gathering information by

questioning those individuals who are the object of the
research belong to a representative sample, through
standardized or questioning procedure, with the aim of
studying the relationship among the variables and/or
collecting information that probably describe the whole
population.
There may be different ways to conduct surveys…

Survey
Methods

Telephonic Personal Electronic

Survey

In-Home Computer-Assisted E-mail Internet

Personal Interviewing
 3.Interview Method

➢The Interview Method of collecting data involves

presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms
of oral- verbal responses.

➢where the questions are asked personally directly to the

respondent.

➢Interviewer asks questions to respondent. (which are

aimed to get information required for study)
Steps For An Effective Interview

 Prepare interview schedule

 Select subjects/ key Respondent

Conduct the interview

 Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview

 Types of Interview Methods

1- Structured Interviews :
In this case, a set of predecided questions are there.

2- Unstructured Interviews :
In this case, we don’t follow a system of pre-determined questions.
 3- Focused Group Interview
 Unstructured and Free flowing

 Focus Group has one Moderator

 Moderator maintains control and focuses discussion

 It involves 6 to 10 people

 Group interview start with broad topic and focus in on specific issues

 Relatively homogeneous

 Similar lifestyles and experiences

 Generate discussion and interaction

 Listens to what people have to say

 Everyone gets a chance to speak

4- Clinical Interviews :

• Information is generated and utilized at every step this process

including the activities of investigation, observation,
monitoring, diagnosis, planning, treatment and review.

• They also record their plans, orders, procedures performed,

observations, test results, opinions and discussions.

5- Group Interviews :

It is done in a group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed.

6- Qualitative and quantitative Interviews :
It is divided on the basis of subject matter i.e., whether
qualitative or quantitative.

7- Individual Interviews :

Interviewer meets a single person and interviews him.

8- Selection Interviews :

Done for selection of people for certain Jobs.

Advantages of Interview Method

More information at greater

depth can be obtained

Resistance may be overcome by

a skilled interviewer

Personal information can be

obtained
disadvantages of Interview Method

It is an expensive Method

Interviewer bias

Respondent bias

Time consuming
 4.Questionnaires
➢The term “questionnaire” refers to an instrument for
the collection of data, usually in written form,
consisting of open/closed questions and other
enquiries requiring a response from subjects.

➢A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) to the persons

concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the
Questionnaire.

➢A Questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed in a

definite order on a form.
Steps For An Effective Questionnaire

Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)

Select your respondents

Random/Selected

Administer the questionnaire

(date, venue, time )

Tabulate data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

 Types of Questionnaire Methods
1- Open-ended questions
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own words.

2- Close-ended or fixed alternative questions

This allows the respondents to choose one of the given alternatives.

Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.

 Essentials of Good Questionnaire

➢ Should be short and simple

➢ Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one

➢ Technical terms should be avoided

➢ Should provide adequate space for answers in questionnaire

➢Directions regarding filling of questionnaire should be given

Physical Appearance – Quality of paper, Color

➢ Sequence must be clear

 advantages of questionnaire
Method
Low cost –even when the universe is large and is widespread

Free from interviewer bias

Responddents have adequate time to think through the answers.

Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached

conveniently.

Large samples can be used

disadvantages of questionnaire Method

Time consuming

The respondents need to be educated and cooperative

This method is slow

Possibility of unclear replies.

 5.Schedules
➢ Very similar to Questionnaire method

➢The main difference is that a schedule is filled by the

enumerator who is specially appointed for the purpose.

➢Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the

questions from the Questionnaire in the order listed,
and records the responses in the space provided.

➢ Enumerator must be trained in administering the

schedule.
 Questionnaire Vs. Schedule
Questionnaire Schedule
➢Q generally send to through mail ➢Schedule is filled by the
and no further assistance from enumerator or research
sender. worker.

➢ Q is cheaper method. ➢ Costly requires field workers.

➢ Non response is high. ➢ Non response is low.

➢ In questionnaire, it is not confirmed ➢ In schedule identity of person

that expected respondent have is known.
filled the answers.
 Questionnaire Vs. Schedule
Questionnaire Schedule
➢ Very slow method. ➢ Information is collected well on time.
➢ Incomplete and wrong
➢ Depends on Honesty of the enumerator.
➢ Information is more.
➢ Direct personal contacts.
➢ No personal contacts.
➢ Relatively more correct and complete.
➢ Depends on the quality of
➢ Information can be collected from
questionnaire.
illiterates also.
➢ Q can used only when
respondent is educated and well
cooperative.
Secondary Data Collection Methods
➢ Data gathered and recorded by someone else.

➢ Secondary data is data that has been collected for another purpose.
➢

➢ It involves less cost, time and effort.

➢ Secondary data is data that is being reused. Usually in a different context.

➢ For example: data from a book.

SOURCES of secondary data collection

INTERNAL SOURCES
Internal sources of secondary data are usually for marketing application-

 Sales Records

 Marketing Activity

 Cost Information

 Distributor reports and feedback

 Customer feedback
EXTERNAL
ExternalSOURCES
sources of secondary data

 Journals

 Books

 Magazines

 Newspaper

 Libraries

 The Internet
 Secondary Data Sources
 Other Sources of secondary data collection:

• Publications of Central, state , local government

• Technical and trade journals

• Books, Magazines, Newspaper

• Reports & publications of industry ,bank, stock exchange

• Reports by research scholars, Universities, economist

• Public Records
 Factors to be considered before using
secondary data
• Reliability of data - Who, when , which methods, at what time etc.
must be investigated.

• Suitability of data – Object ,scope, and nature of original inquiry

should be studied, as if the study was with different objective then
that data is not suitable for current study

• Adequacy of data– Level of accuracy, • Area differences then data is

not adequate for study
 Selection of proper Method for
collection of Data
 Nature ,Scope and object of inquiry

 Availability of Funds

 Time Factor

 Accuracy Required
advantages of secondary data Method
disadvantages of secondary data
Method