DATA AND DATA

COLLECTION
RESEARCH DATA
Any information collected, stored, and
processed to produce and validate original
research results.

Might be used to prove or disprove a theory,

bolster claims made in research, to further
the knowledge around a specific topic or
problem.
RESEARCH DATA
Recorded factual material commonly retained
by and accepted in the scientific community as
necessary to validate research findings.

Although the majority of such data is created in

digital format, all research data is included
irrespective of the format in which it is created.”
When should you utilize quantitative or
qualitative data?
•Research topics may be approached in either
quantitative or qualitative methods. Choosing one
method or the other depends on what you believe would
provide the best evidence for your research objectives.
• Researchers sometimes choose to incorporate both
qualitative and quantitative data in their research since
these methods provide different perspectives on the
topic.
What is DATA COLLECTION?
•Data Collection
 A methodical process of gathering and analyzing
specific information to proffer solutions to relevant
questions and evaluate the results.
 Focuses on finding out all there is to a particular subject
matter.
 Data is collected to be further subjected to hypothesis
testing which seeks to explain a phenomenon.
Hypothesis testing eliminates assumptions while making
a proposition on the basis of reason.
What is DATA COLLECTION?
•Data Collection
 For collectors of data, there is a range of outcomes for which the data is
collected. However, the key purpose for which data is collected is to put a
researcher in a vantage position to make conclusions and eventually
recommendations for modifications of knowledge or theories or future
research.

 The core forms in which data can be collected are primary and secondary
data.

• PRIMARY DATA collected by a researcher through first-hand sources.

• SECONDARY DATA  collected by an individual other than the user.
TYPES OF DATA COLLECTION
•1. Primary Data Collection
Gathering of raw data collected at the source
It is a process of collecting the original data
collected by a researcher for a specific research
purpose.
It could be further analyzed into two segments:
qualitative research and quantitative data
collection methods.
TYPES OF DATA COLLECTION

•1. Primary Data Collection

•A. Qualitative Research Method of Data Collection
 Does not involve the collection of data that involves numbers
or a need to be deduced through a mathematical calculation,
rather it is based on the non-quantifiable elements like the
feeling or emotion of the researcher
 Example of Tool used in this method: Open-ended
questionnaire
 Other Tools: Online Forums, In Depth Interviews, Online
Communities, Web Survey Chat, Group
TYPES OF DATA COLLECTION

•1. Primary Data Collection

•B. Quantitative Research Method of Data
Collection
Data collected are presented in numbers and require
mathematical calculation to deduce
Example: Questionnaire with close-ended questions
How to float questionnaire: face-to-face, online, mail,
phone
TYPES OF DATA COLLECTION

•2. Secondary Data Collection

Gathering of second-hand data collected by
an individual who is not the original user
It is a process of collecting data that exists
from sources such as published books,
journals, and online portals.
 Much less expensive and easier to collect.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

•1. Integrity of the Research - A key reason

for collecting data, be it through quantitative
or qualitative methods, is to ensure that the
integrity of the research question is indeed
maintained.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

•2. Reduce the likelihood of errors- The

correct use of appropriate data collection of
methods reduces the likelihood of errors
consistent with the results.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

•3. Decision Making - To minimize the risk of

errors in decision-making, it is important that
accurate data is collected so that the
researcher doesn't make uninformed
decisions.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

4. Save Cost and Time - Data collection

saves the researcher time and funds that
would otherwise be misspent without a
deeper understanding of the topic or subject
matter.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

5. To support a need for a new idea, change,

and/ or innovation - To prove the need for a
change in the norm or the introduction of new
information that will be widely accepted, it is
important to collect data as evidence to support
these claims.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS AND
TOOLS
1. INTERVIEW
2. QUESTIONNAIRES
3. REPORTING
4. EXISTING DATA
5. OBSERVATION
6. FOCUS GROUPS/ FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
7. COMBINATION RESEARCH
 INTERVIEW
 A face-to-face conversation between two individuals with the sole purpose
of collecting relevant information to satisfy a research purpose.

 Types:

•  Structured Interviews - Simply put, it is a verbally administered

questionnaire. In terms of depth, it is surface level and is usually
completed within a short period. For speed and efficiency, it is highly
recommendable, but it lacks depth.
 INTERVIEW
 A face-to-face conversation between two individuals with the sole purpose
of collecting relevant information to satisfy a research purpose.

 Types:
•  Structured Interviews
•  Semi-structured Interviews
•  Unstructured Interviews - This is an in-depth interview that allows the
researcher to collect a wide range of information with a purpose. An
advantage of this method is the freedom it gives a researcher to combine
structure with flexibility even though it is more time-consuming
 INTERVIEW

Pros: In-depth information,

Freedom of flexibility, Accurate data.
Cons: Time-consuming, Expensive
to collect
 INTERVIEW
Best Data Collection Tools for Interviews
• 1. Audio Recorder
• An audio recorder is used for recording
sound on disc, tape, or film. Audio
information can meet the needs of a wide
range of people, as well as provide
alternatives to print data collection tools.
 INTERVIEW
Best Data Collection Tools for Interviews
• 2. Digital Camera
• An advantage of a digital camera is that
it can be used for transmitting those images
to a monitor screen when the need arises.
 INTERVIEW
Best Data Collection Tools for Interviews
• 3. Camcorder
• A camcorder is used for collecting data through
interviews. It provides a combination of both an audio
recorder and a video camera. The data provided is
qualitative in nature and allows the respondents to
answer questions asked exhaustively. If you need to
collect sensitive information during an interview, a
camcorder might not work for you as you would need to
maintain your subject’s privacy.
 QUESTIONNAIRES
Process of collecting data through an
instrument consisting of a series of questions
and prompts to receive a response from
individuals it is administered to.
Designed to collect data from a group.
For clarity, it is important to note that a
questionnaire isn't a survey, rather it forms a
part of it.
 QUESTIONNAIRES
A survey is a process of data gathering
involving a variety of data collection
methods, including a questionnaire.
On a questionnaire, there are three kinds of
questions used. They are fixed-alternative,
scale, and open-ended. With each of the
questions tailored to the nature and scope
of the research.
 QUESTIONNAIRES
Pros
• 1. Can be administered in large numbers and is cost-
effective.
• 2. It can be used to compare previous research to
measure change.
• 3. Easy to visualize and analyze.
• 4. Questionnaires offer actionable data.
• 5. Respondent identity is protected.
• 6. Questionnaires can cover all areas of a topic.
• 7. Relatively inexpensive
 QUESTIONNAIRES
Cons
• 1. Answers may be dishonest, or the
respondents lose interest midway.
• 2. Questionnaires can't produce qualitative
data.
• 3. Questions might be left unanswered.
• 4. Respondents may have a hidden agenda.
• 5. Not all questions can be analyzed easily.
What are the best Data Collection Tools for
Questionnaire?
• If you have got lots of questions, needs lots
of answers, want to test existing hypotheses
and produce new theories, you can use
questionnaire form templates to get
actionable trends and measurable
responses.
Paper Questionnaire
• A paper questionnaire is a data collection tool
consisting of a series of questions and/or prompts
for the purpose of gathering information from
respondents. Mostly designed for statistical
analysis of the responses, they can also be used
as a form of data collection.
 REPORTING
• By definition, data reporting is the process of
gathering and submitting data to be further
subjected to analysis. The key aspect of
data reporting is reporting accurate data
because of inaccurate data reporting leads
to uninformed decision-making.
 REPORTING
Pros
 Informed decision-making.
 Easily accessible.
• Cons
 Self-reported answers may be exaggerated.
 The results may be affected by bias.
 Respondents may be too shy to give out all the
details.
 Inaccurate reports will lead to uninformed decisions.
What are the best Data Collection Tools
for Reporting?
• Reporting tools enable you to extract and present
data in charts, tables, and other visualizations so
users can find useful information. You could
source data for reporting from Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGO) reports, newspapers,
website articles, health records.
What are the best Data Collection Tools
for Reporting?
• NGO Reports
•Contained in NGO reports is an in-depth and
comprehensive report on the activities carried out
by the NGO, covering areas such as sciences and
human rights. The information contained in these
reports are research-specific and forms an
acceptable academic base towards collecting data.
NGOs often focus on development projects which
are organized to promote particular causes.
What are the best Data Collection Tools
for Reporting?
• Newspapers
•Newspaper data are relatively easy to collect
and are sometimes the only continuously
available source of event data. Even though
there is a problem of bias in newspaper data,
it is still a valid tool in collecting data for
reporting.
What are the best Data Collection Tools
for Reporting?
•Website Articles
•Gathering and using data contained in website
articles is also another tool for data collection.
Collecting data from web articles is a quicker and
less expensive data collection Two major
disadvantages of using this data reporting method
are biases inherent in the data collection process
and possible security/confidentiality concerns.
What are the best Data Collection Tools
for Reporting?
• Health Care records
•Health care involves a diverse set of public
and private data collection systems, including
health surveys, and medical records. The data
provided is clear, unbiased and accurate, but
must be obtained under the legal means as
medical data is kept with the strictest
regulations.
 EXISTING DATA
This is the introduction of new investigative
questions in addition to/other than the ones
originally used when the data was initially
gathered. It involves adding measurement to a
study or research. An example would be
sourcing data from an archive.
 EXISTING DATA
Pros
 Accuracy is very high.
 Easily accessible information.
Cons
 Problems with evaluation.
 Difficulty in understanding.
 EXISTING DATA
•What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Existing Data?
•The concept of Existing data means that data is collected from
existing sources to investigate research questions other than
those for which the data were originally gathered. Tools to collect
existing data include:

• Research Journals - Unlike newspapers and magazines,

research journals are intended for an academic or technical
audience, not general readers. A journal is a scholarly publication
containing articles written by researchers, professors, and other
experts.
 EXISTING DATA
•What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Existing Data?
•The concept of Existing data means that data is collected from
existing sources to investigate research questions other than
those for which the data were originally gathered. Tools to collect
existing data include:

• Surveys - A survey is a data collection tool for gathering

information from a sample population, with the intention of
generalizing the results to a larger population. Surveys have a
variety of purposes and can be carried out in many ways
depending on the objectives to be achieved.
 OBSERVATION
• This is a data collection method by which
information on a phenomenon is gathered through
observation. The nature of the observation could
be accomplished either as a complete observer,
an observer as a participant, a participant as an
observer or as a complete participant. This method
is a key base of formulating a hypothesis and
common in experimental researches.
 OBSERVATION
Pros
 Easy to administer.
 There subsists a greater accuracy with results.
 It is a universally accepted practice.
 It diffuses the situation of an unwillingness of
respondents to administer a report.
 It is appropriate for certain situations.
 OBSERVATION
Cons
 Some phenomena aren’t open to
observation.
 It cannot be relied upon.
 Bias may arise.
 It is expensive to administer.
 Its validity cannot be predicted accurately.
 OBSERVATION
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Observation?
• Observation involves the active acquisition of information
from a primary source. Observation can also involve the
perception and recording of data via the use of scientific
instruments. The best tools for Observation are:
•  Checklists - state specific criteria, allow users to gather
information and make judgments about what they should
know in relation to the outcomes. They offer systematic
ways of collecting data about specific behaviors, knowledge,
and skills.
 OBSERVATION
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for
Observation?
• Observation involves the active acquisition of
information from a primary source. Observation can also
involve the perception and recording of data via the use of
scientific instruments. The best tools for Observation are:
• • Direct observation - This is an observational study
method of collecting evaluative information. The evaluator
watches the subject in his or her usual environment
without altering that environment.
 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
• The opposite of quantitative research which
involves numerical based data, this data
collection method focuses more on qualitative
research. It falls under the primary category for
data based on the feelings and opinions of the
respondents. This research involves asking open-
ended questions to a group of individuals usually
ranging from 6-10 people, to provide feedback.
 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

Pros
 Information obtained is usually very
detailed.
 Cost-effective when compared to one-
on-one interviews.
 It reflects speed and efficiency in the
supply of results.
 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
Cons
 Lacking depth in covering the nitty-gritty of a
subject matter.
 Bias might still be evident.
 Requires interviewer training
 The researcher has very little control over the
outcome.
 A few vocal voices can drown out the rest.
 Difficulty in assembling an all-inclusive group.
 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Focus Groups?
• A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly
facilitated and structured around a set of questions. The purpose
of the meeting is to extract from the participants' detailed
responses to these questions. The best tools for tackling Focus
groups are:

• Two-Way - One group watches another group answer the

questions posed by the moderator. After listening to what the other
group has to offer, the group that listens are able to facilitate more
discussion and could potentially draw different conclusions.
 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Focus Groups?
• A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly
facilitated and structured around a set of questions. The purpose
of the meeting is to extract from the participants' detailed
responses to these questions. The best tools for tackling Focus
groups are:

• Dueling-Moderator - There are two moderators who play the

devil’s advocate. The main positive of the dueling-moderator
focus group is to facilitate new ideas by introducing new ways of
thinking and varying viewpoints.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH
• This method of data collection encompasses the
use of innovative methods to enhance
participation in both individuals and groups. Also
under the primary category, it is a combination of
Interviews and Focus Groups while collecting
qualitative data. This method is key when
addressing sensitive subjects.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH
Pros
oEncourage participants to give responses.
oIt stimulates a deeper connection between
participants.
oThe relative anonymity of respondents
increases participation.
oIt improves the richness of the data collected.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH

Cons
oIt costs the most out of all the top 7.
oIt's the most time-consuming.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Combination
Research?
•The Combination Research method involves two or more data
collection methods, for instance, interviews as well as questionnaires
or a combination of semi-structured telephone interviews and focus
groups. The best tools for combination research are:

• Online Survey - The two tools combined here are online interviews
and the use of questionnaires. This is a questionnaire that the target
audience can complete over the Internet. It is timely, effective and
efficient. Especially since the data to be collected is quantitative in
nature.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Combination Research?
•The Combination Research method involves two or more data collection
methods, for instance, interviews as well as questionnaires or a combination
of semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups. The best tools for
combination research are:

• Dual-Moderator - The two tools combined here are focus groups and
structured questionnaires. The structured questionnaires give directions as
to where the research is headed while two moderators take charge of the
proceedings. Whilst one ensures the focus group session progresses
smoothly, the other makes sure that the topics in question are all covered.
Dual-moderator focus groups typically result in a more productive session
and essentially lead to an optimum collection of data.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Combination
Research?
•The Combination Research method involves two or more data
collection methods, for instance, interviews as well as questionnaires
or a combination of semi-structured telephone interviews and focus
groups. The best tools for combination research are:

• Online Survey - The two tools combined here are online interviews
and the use of questionnaires. This is a questionnaire that the target
audience can complete over the Internet. It is timely, effective and
efficient. Especially since the data to be collected is quantitative in
nature.
 COMBINATION RESEARCH
•What are the best Data Collection Tools for Combination Research?
•The Combination Research method involves two or more data collection
methods, for instance, interviews as well as questionnaires or a combination
of semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups. The best tools for
combination research are:

• Dual-Moderator - The two tools combined here are focus groups and
structured questionnaires. The structured questionnaires give directions as
to where the research is headed while two moderators take charge of the
proceedings. Whilst one ensures the focus group session progresses
smoothly, the other makes sure that the topics in question are all covered.
Dual-moderator focus groups typically result in a more productive session
and essentially lead to an optimum collection of data.
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

• Define the goal of your survey - Once the goal

of your survey is outlined, it will aid in deciding
which questions are the top priority. A clear
attainable goal would for example, mirror a clear
reason as to why something is happening. e.g.,
"The goal of this survey is to understand why
students prefer online classes during the
pandemic."
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

oUse close-ended clearly defined

questions - Avoid open-ended questions
and ensure you're not suggesting your
preferred answer to the respondent. If
possible, offer a range of answers with
choice options and ratings.
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

oSurvey outlook should be attractive

and Inviting - An attractive-looking survey
encourages a higher number of recipients
to respond to the survey. You could use
images and videos to keep participants
glued to their screens in online surveys.
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

oAssure Respondents about the safety

of their data - You want your respondents
to be assured whilst disclosing details of
their personal information to you. It's your
duty to inform the respondents that the
data they provide is confidential and only
collected for the purpose of research.
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

oEnsure your survey can be

completed in record time - Ideally, in
a typical survey, users should be able to
respond in 100 seconds. It is pertinent
to note that they, the respondents, are
doing you a favor. Don't stress them. Be
brief and get straight to the point.
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

oDo a trial survey - Preview your survey

before sending out your surveys to the
intended respondents. Make a trial version
which you'll send to a few individuals.
Based on their responses, you can draw
inferences and decide whether or not your
survey is ready for the big time.
Creating The Best Surveys for Data Collections

oAttach a reward upon completion

for users - Give your respondents
something to look forward to at the
end of the survey. Think of it as a
penny for their troubles. It could well
be the encouragement they need to
not abandon the survey midway.