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org © 2022 IJCRT | Volume 10, Issue 5 May 2022 | ISSN: 2320-2882

Data Collection Instruments in Educational

Research

Dr. Amit Ahuja

Assistant Professor

University School of Education

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Dwarka Delhi

Ms. Rajani Upadhyay

Research Scholar

University School of Education

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Dwarka Delhi

Abstract

Data collection collects and analyses relevant data to answer research questions, test hypotheses, and
evaluate results. It's essential to collect data for each research study. Even if you have the best study design
globally, your project will fall short of its objectives if you cannot collect the essential data. If you want
to get the best results from your research, you need to collect high-quality data that can be utilized to
conduct in-depth analysis and deliver answers that are both convincing and believable. Regardless of the
method used to define data, maintaining research integrity requires accurate data collection (quantitative
or qualitative). To collect accurate data, one must plan meticulously, put in long hours, be dedicated, and
have other attributes. Samples from specific demography are chosen after the research team has
determined what kind of data they require. To collect data from your chosen sample, you'll need a
specialized instrument. New, modified, or existing data-gathering equipment, along with detailed
instructions on how to use them, reduce the likelihood of mistakes.

Keywords: Data collection, primary data, secondary data, qualitative and quantitative data, Interview,
Questionnaire, Observation

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1. Introduction

To begin, we must question, "What exactly is data?" In its simplest form, data is nothing more than
information organized specifically. Obtaining data to answer research questions, as well as analyzing
findings, predicting future trends, or assessing future probability, is referred to as data collection.
Ultimately, the goal is to gain a thorough understanding of a certain subject. In modern society, the
importance of gathering data cannot be emphasized. Accurate data collection is essential for making
educated business decisions, ensuring quality control, and preserving research integrity.

1.1. Why is data collection important?

For a researcher, data collecting serves a variety of essential goals. Data collecting is essential for several
reasons, including:

1. The research's reliability: Data collection, whether quantitative or qualitative, has as one of its
primary goals to ensure the integrity of the study topic.
2. Reduce the likelihood of mistakes or omissions: The likelihood of errors during various research
processes is reduced when appropriate data-gathering strategies are properly utilized.
3. Making decisions that are both accurate and efficient: It is critical to acquire exact facts to prevent
experts from making ill-informed decisions to reduce the risk of mistakes or errors in decision
making.
4. Save money and effort: Saving time and money by gathering data.
5. Initiates the growth of a new thought or idea: It is critical to gather data and evidence to support
the argument for an adjustment or a new change.

2. Types of data collection

Primary and secondary data collection are two broad areas of data collection.

2.1. Primary data collection

Primary data refers to information that has been gathered directly from individuals with first-hand
knowledge of an event or situation. It is more trustworthy because it is drawn from sources. Primary data
is more reliable than secondary data because it has not been tampered with by humans. It could be further
broken down into qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection.

The qualitative approach to data collection: Words are used to express it. Concepts, thoughts, and
memories can all benefit from this analysis method. Allows for in-depth analysis of topics that are poorly
understood. Interviews, written accounts of observations, and literary appraisals of concepts and
hypotheses are all examples of qualitative methods.
The quantitative approach to data collection: It is represented graphically and numerically. It is a tool for
verifying or disproving hypotheses. These findings can be applied to a wide range of topics. Quantitative
approaches include experiments, numerical observations, and surveys with predetermined answers.
Sources of Primary Data: Questionnaire, Interview and Observation are the basic sources of primary data
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2.1.1. Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a research instrument that asks respondents questions to acquire relevant information.
These devices may include written or spoken queries. Research tools such as questionnaires have become
increasingly popular due to their ability to collect vast amounts of data quickly, efficiently, and cheaply.
Measuring preferences, intentions, attitudes, and views can be done with these instruments effectively.
Types of Questionnaires based on Distribution

1. Postal: The mail is used to send out postal questionnaires, which are paper surveys that
participants fill out.
2. In-house: The survey is administered by researchers who visit respondents' homes or workplaces.
3. Telephone: Respondents are contacted by researchers who administer the survey over the phone.
4. Electronic: A variety of internet mediums, such as email, can be used to distribute electronic
surveys.
Types of questions in a questionnaire

1. Open-ended questions: There are few or no limits on how the respondent can answer a
questionnaire using this tool.
2. Closed-ended questions: An option to select from predefined responses are offered to respondents.
When conducting a large-scale survey, it is ideal to use closed-ended questions.
3. Dichotomous questions: Typically, a dichotomous question is a yes-or-no answer.
4. Multiple-choice questions: There are two basic types of multiple-choice questions: single-select
and multi-select.
5. Scaling questions: These are based on the four measurement scales (nominal, ordinal, interval,
and ratio). Some common scales that make use of these fundamental properties are rank order,
Likert scale, semantic differential scale, and Stapel scale.
6. Pictorial questions: Respondents are given a question to respond to, and the options are photos.
Steps to be followed in questionnaire construction and writing the report

1. Identifying the survey's intended audience.

2. Choosing which type of questions to ask (closed or open-ended).
3. Drafting the Questionnaire.
4. Using a sample of the population to test the Questionnaire.
5. Adapting the survey to the feedback we've received.
6. Sending out the survey to those who will be receiving it.
7. Notifying the study's participants of the importance of their participation.
8. Responding to the feedback.
9. Interpreting and analyzing the data that has been received.
10. Doing research and compiling data for the report.

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2.1.2. Interview

Interviewing study participants entails asking them questions and obtaining their responses. There are
many ways to conduct an interview, including one-on-one and group interviews. The telephone or other
electronic devices can facilitate the exchange of questions and answers (e.g., computers).

When conducting an interview, it is possible to choose from various approaches.

Structured Interview: Researchers use structured interviews when they want to conduct research with
instruments that are extremely rigorous in their functioning and give participants little or no latitude in
how they are prompted to gather and interpret data. Thus, it is a standardized interview and is primarily
quantitative. The interview questions have been pre-decided based on the level of detail requested. When
conducting a survey, structured interviews are frequently utilized to keep the interview sessions consistent.

Semi-structured Interview: Semi-structured interviews provide the researcher with many latitudes while
keeping the interview format. Even if researchers and interviewees have a pre-planned conversation,
researchers have a great deal of freedom. With the Interview's format in mind, researchers can pursue any
topic or take creative advantage of the Interview. Researchers should employ semi-structured interviews
if they are limited on time and need a lot of information on a particular topic.

Unstructured Interviews: For research purposes, an in-depth interview, or an unstructured interview, is a

dialogue to obtain information. Most researchers use unstructured interviews to establish a personal
connection with their subjects, which increases the likelihood that they will be completely honest in their
responses. Researchers are free to conduct their studies in any way they see fit, as there are no rules
dictating how they should approach their subjects.

Interview Process

1. Plan: During this stage, the interviewer's preparation, interview duration, and the interview
location are all planned out.
2. Preparation of interview schedule: Printed questions are arranged in a certain order or sequence on
the interview schedule. In advance, the interview schedule is set. Those taking this project
(researcher, interviewer, or just the enumerator) require to practise conducting the Interview. But
we can't overlook the interviewer's bias when interpreting the responses.
3. Pilot test of the schedule: It's a good idea to practise your interview questions before the real thing.
The pilot study's interviewees should be chosen at random. To conduct a proper study, this group
should not be included.
4. Conducting the Interview: The interviewer should plan the venue, time, and other interview
specifics. When asking a question, it's important to use precise language. The interviewer needs to
be knowledgeable about interviewing tactics. The interviewer is responsible for creating an
environment of mutual trust, confidence, and civility. At the end of the Interview, the interviewer
must thank the participants for their participation.

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5. Recording the Interview: Recording responses on an interview schedule is simple in structured

interviews when most questions are closed-ended. Taking notes is what we refer to as the note-
taking method. Open-ended inquiries are difficult and time-consuming to respond to. A verbatim
transcript of the interviewee's answers can be obtained by using the tape-recording method.
6. Preparation of Verbatim Transcripts: Transcripts are created by taking the audio recordings and
turning them into text. It is the core research material.
7. Analysis of Data and Report Writing

2.1.3. Observation

People and events are observed in their natural setting as part of an investigation method. For the first
time, researchers will be able to observe their subjects in the actual world rather than in a lab or focus
group.

Classification of Observational Method

1. Natural Observation: There are no efforts to alter the observer's behaviour in this observation form.
Natural observations can improve information gathering and the context in which an observation
is made.
2. Direct and Indirect Observation: By employing the direct way of Observation, one can see how
the observer is physically present in the event being seen and what is happening in this method. It
is possible to conduct indirect observations by analyzing mechanical recordings, such as those
made with a camera, as well as electronic or photographic recordings. Direct Observation is easier
than indirect Observation in terms of the amount of information gleaned from it.
3. Participant and Non-Participant Observation: Observers participating in various operations of the
research group are examples of a participant kind of Observation. The nature of a study, as well as
the scenario and the expectations placed on it, have a significant impact on the level of
involvement. On the other hand, non-participants observing a group without being a participant
means no relationship between the researcher and the group members.
4. Structured and Unstructured Observation: Structured Observation is based on a predetermined plan
that specifies the units to be observed and the data to be collected. The procedures to be watched
and the numerous features to be documented are determined. These kinds of observations
necessitate specialized tools to capture organized data. In the unstructured Observation, the
observer is free to record whatever they believe is important to the study. In an exploratory study,
this type of Observation is ideal.
5. Controlled and Un-controlled Observation: An observation is considered controlled if made under
the guidance of an outside entity. With mechanical synchronization devices, film recording, etc.,
these observations are highly powerful. An uncontrolled observation is conducted outside of a
laboratory or controlled environment. Any external force does not influence these observations.

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Steps of Observation

1. Determine research objective: Decide what you want to learn and who you want to observe, and
why.
2. Create a list of questions and a roadmap to research: Consider the research questions you've asked
and devise a strategy for gathering information.
3. Set up a way to collect data: Your role in the learning process might either be a passive observer
or a proactive one. You can choose to record audio or video, snap photos or write notes during the
trip.
4. Observe: Observe and collect data in the real world. Get the permissions you need before you
begin.
5. Prepare data: Transcribe all of the recordings you have made from audio or video and begin to
organize your notes and files.
6. Analyze behaviours in data: To find patterns and trends in your data, use a systematic approach
to organizing and categorizing it.

Advantages of primary data

1. Studying a problem necessitates collecting data that is pertinent.

2. There are no doubts about the quality of the data gathered (for the investigator).
3. It may be possible to collect more data during the study.

Disadvantages of primary data

1. What, how and when to collect data; acquiring finances and engaging with funding organizations;
ethics; and obtaining data themselves or through others are only some of the issues the researcher
must deal with (consent, permissions, etc.).
2. Accurate data is required, which means it must be presented correctly; it must not contain any fake
or cooked-up information, and it must not include any extraneous or pointless data.
3. In many studies, collecting data is the primary expense.

2.2 Secondary Data Collection

When someone else collects second-hand data from a source other than the original user, it is called
"secondary data collection." It's the act of putting together knowledge that already exists. It's significantly
less expensive, and it's much easier to obtain.

A secondary data source is anything other than the primary data that the researcher collected. It includes
published census data, published records, biographies in newspapers, data archives, articles in scholarly
publications, and various databases.

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The importance of secondary data may include fewer valid points, yet it is still important. There are
occasions when collecting primary data is difficult; in these cases, secondary data is more accessible. In
other cases, primary data is not available. Secondary data must be used in the study. The respondents may
have the data, but they're not eager to share it. You can also make use of secondary data sources in this
circumstance. Primary study design can also benefit from secondary data. They can serve as a benchmark
against which the outcomes of primary data collection can be evaluated. A review of the secondary data
should be the first step in conducting any research.

Advantages of secondary data

1. There's no need to worry about data collection.

2. It's less costly.
3. The quality of the data is not the responsibility of the researcher.

Disadvantages of secondary data

1. The third-party data may not be trustworthy; therefore, the data's reliability and accuracy are
lowered by the third-party collection.
2. Because of the different environmental conditions in each site, data acquired in one area may not
be appropriate for use in the other.
3. As time passes, the information becomes increasingly out-of-date and even old-fashioned.
4. The inclusion of erroneous secondary data can skew the study results. Using secondary data
necessitates additional attention to edit or modify it.
5. Authenticity and copyright concerns might arise from secondary data as well.

3. Conclusion

In educational research, the data collected is evaluated and interpreted using data gathering methods. As
a result, gathering data is a critical step in any research project and can considerably impact the outcomes.
Methods of data collecting are defined after research questions, and data sources have been established.
A wide range of more specialized methods is used to acquire data. Efficient data collection devices
(existing, modified or new) and clear instructions on using them are essential to avoiding data
inaccuracies.

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