Understanding

Ways to Collect
Data
Data collection is the process of gathering information
from various sources to answer research questions, test
hypotheses, and analyze trends. It is a crucial step in
research methodology that ensures accuracy, reliability,
and validity of the study.

Identifying research method and research design in

conducting research is vital, let’s examine the key
difference and connections of those two research
What is the difference and key relationship
between research design and research
methodology?
Research methodology Research Design
Definition The overarching strategy, The specific framework or
principles, and reasoning blueprint that guides data
behind the research methods collection and analysis.
used.
Focus Explains why particular Focuses on how the research
methods and techniques are will be conducted.
used.
Scope Broad – covers the entire Narrower – focuses on
research process, including structuring the research
data collection, analysis, and process.
justification.

Key Relationships Explains the rationale behind Provides the structure.

it.
 Research Design under Qualitative
Research
Qualitative research design focuses on exploring and
understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social
phenomena. It relies on non-numerical data such as interviews,
observations, and textual analysis.
Types of Qualitative Research Design
1. Case Study
 In-depth analysis of a single case (individual, organization, event) or
multiple cases.
Example: The Role of Leadership in Transforming Failing Schools: A case
study of ABC High Schools
 This research explores how leadership strategies contributed to the
 Research Design under Qualitative
Research
2. Phenomenology
 Explores lived experiences of individuals related to a phenomenon.
Example: The Lived Experiences of Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
 The study aims to examine the emotions, challenges & coping mechanisms of nurses
working in hospitals during the pandemic.
 Stress, resilience, & professional dedication.

3. Ethnography
 Involves immersive, long-term engagement with a culture or group to understand
behaviors and norms.
Example: Cultural Practices and Rituals of Indigenous Healers.

 Research Design under Qualitative
4. Grounded Theory
Research
 Develops a theory based on patterns emerging from data collection.
Example: Understanding the Process of Student Motivation in Online Learning.
 Seeks to develop a theory explaining how students stay motivated in an online
leaning environment.

5. Narrative Research
 Examines personal stories to understand experiences and meaning-making.
Example: “Breaking Barriers”: A Narrative Inquiry into the Journey of First- Generation
College Graduated.
 This study compiles personal stories of individuals who were the first in their families
to attend & graduate from college.
 Key Elements of Qualitative
Research Design

1. Research Questions – Open-ended and exploratory.

2. Sampling – Purposive or snowball sampling rather than
random selection.
3. Data Collection – Interviews, focus groups, observations,
document analysis.
4. Data Analysis – Thematic analysis, content analysis, coding
(manual)
5. Validity & Reliability – Ensured through triangulation,
 Types of Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative research design focuses on numerical data,
statistical analysis, and objective measurements to test
hypotheses and relationships between variable
1. Descriptive Research Design
 Aims to describe characteristics, behaviors, or trends in a population.
 Does not establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Example: Study Habits and Academic Performance of Senior High School
Students
 This study aims to describe the study habits of senior high school students
and how they manage their time, resources, and study techniques.
 The research uses surveys and observations to gather data on common
 Types of Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative research design focuses on numerical data,
statistical analysis, and objective measurements to test
hypotheses and relationships between variable
2. Correlational Research Design
Examines the relationship between two or more variables without
manipulating them.
Does NOT establish causation, only associations.
The Relationship Between Social Media Usage and Academic
Performance Among College Students
This study investigates whether there is a relationship between the
 Types of Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative research design focuses on numerical data,
statistical analysis, and objective measurements to test
hypotheses and relationships between variable
3. Experimental Research Design
 Investigates cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating an independent variable and
measuring its effect on a dependent variable.
 Uses random assignment to control groups (experimental vs. control).
 The Effect of Sleep Duration on Memory Retention in High School Students
 This study investigates whether different sleep durations affect students’ ability to retain and
recall information.
• 60 high school students randomly assigned to
• Group A (8 hours of sleep)
• Group B (5 hours of sleep)
• Group C (3 hours of sleep)
 Types of Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative research design focuses on numerical data,
statistical analysis, and objective measurements to test
hypotheses and relationships between variable
4. Quasi-Experimental Research Design
 Similar to experimental design but lacks random assignment to control and
experimental groups.
 Lack of random assignment refers to a situation in research where participants are
not randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.
Example: The Impact of Online Learning vs. Face-to-Face Learning on Student
Engagement
 This study examines whether students in online learning environments engage
differently compared to those in face-to-face settings.
 Why is Random Assignment
Important?
 Ensures each participant has an equal
chance of being in either the experimental
or control group.
 Eliminates selection bias, making the
groups more comparable.
Process/Steps of Data Collection
Process
Step 1 Ask the questions
o Before collecting data, the researcher must define the
research problem and formulate clear, specific
research questions.

Key considerations
 What do you want to investigate?
 What are your research objectives?
 Are you exploring, describing, or testing
relationships?
Step 2 Design the study
o After defining the research question, the next step is
to choose an appropriate research design that aligns
with the objectives.

Key considerations
 Will the study be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
methods?
 What sampling technique will be used (random,
stratified, purposive, etc.)?
Step 3 Collect the data
o This is the process of gathering information from
selected participants using the chosen data collection
methods.

Key considerations
 Ensure ethical standards (informed consent,
confidentiality).
 Minimize bias by using standardized procedures.
 Ensure data is recorded systematically (using tools
Step 4 Describe and Summarize the Data
o After data collection, the next step is to organize,
clean, and summarize the data to identify key
patterns.

Key considerations
 For qualitative data: Organize themes, summarize
responses.
 For quantitative data: Use descriptive statistics
(mean, median, frequency).
Step 5 Analyze the Data
o Data analysis helps answer research questions and
test hypotheses.

Key considerations
 Quantitative Analysis: Use statistical techniques (e.g.,
regression, t-tests, ANOVA).
 Qualitative Analysis: Use thematic analysis or coding
frameworks.
 Identify trends, relationships, or patterns.
Step 6 Report the Results
o The final step is to present the findings in a
structured format, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

Key Considerations
 Use tables, graphs, and charts for quantitative data.
 Summarize qualitative findings with direct quotes and
themes.
 Discuss implications, limitations, and
recommendations for future research.
 Things to Remember in data collection
process
1. Clearly define your research objectives and
choose an appropriate data collection method.
2. Obtain informed consent and ensure ethical
compliance before collecting data.
3. Pilot-test survey instruments or interview
questions to avoid confusion.
4. Use a proper sampling technique to ensure
 Things to Remember in data collection
process
5. Do not collect unnecessary or overly sensitive
data that could invade privacy.
6. Avoid bias in data collection by maintaining
neutrality and consistency.
7. Store data securely and ensure proper backup
to prevent loss or breaches.
8. Do not manipulate or misinterpret data; always