Data collection
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This document discusses various methods for collecting primary data, including observation, interviews, questionnaires, and schedules. It outlines the key aspects of primary data collection such as structured vs. unstructured approaches, participant vs. non-participant observation, and open-ended vs. closed questions. Primary data collection allows researchers to gather targeted information directly from respondents but requires more time and resources than using secondary data.
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Data collection
- 2. DATA COLLECTION Data – quantitative value of variable (e.g. numbers, words, figures etc.) Lowest unit of information – for other measurements and analysis. Most important for quantitative research.
- 3. Pre requisites to data collection Research objective Source of information Quantitative expressions Techniques of data collection Unit of data collection
- 4. Sources of data Sources of data External Primary Secondary Internal
- 5. Primary data First hand data Reliable, authentic, not been published any where Validity higher than secondary data- not changed by the individual research
- 6. Merits of primary data Targeted issue is addressed Data interpretation is better Higher accuracy of data Greater control
- 7. Demerits of primary data Time Cost Number of resources required Inaccurate feedback Lot of skills and efforts
- 8. Primary data collection methods
- 9. By observation Collection of information by way of investigator's own observation, Without interviewing the respondents. The information relates to current happening Not complicated by either the past behavior or future intentions or attitudes of respondents. An expensive method Information provided is very limited. Not suitable in inquiries where large samples are concerned.
- 10. Structured and unstructured observation When the observation is done by careful definition of the units to be observed, the style of recording the observed information, standardized conditions of observation and the selection of pertinent data of observation, -structured observation- Useful for descriptive research When observation is to take place without these characteristics to be thought of in advance, the same is termed as unstructured observation- Useful for exploratory research.
- 11. Participant & non participant observation If the observer observes by making himself, more or less, a member of the group he is observing so that he can experience what the members of the group experience - participant observation When the observer observes as a detached representative without any attempt on his part to experience through participation what others feel; presence may be unknown to the people he is observing- non-participant observation.
- 12. Controlled and uncontrolled observation If the observation takes place in the natural setting- uncontrolled observation, When observation takes place according to definite pre-arranged plans, involving experimental procedure- controlled observation.
- 13. Personal interview The investigator follows a rigid procedure and seeks answers to a set of pre-conceived questions through personal interviews. Usually carried out in a structured way where output depends upon the ability of the interviewer to a large extent.
- 14. Direct investigation & Indirect Investigation Direct personal investigation- The interviewer has to collect the information personally from the sources concerned - be on the spot and has to meet people from whom data have to be collected- suitable for intensive investigations. Indirect oral examination- Interviewer has to cross-examine other persons/ third person – witness, who are supposed to have knowledge about the problem under investigation and the information, obtained is recorded.
- 15. Types of interview Structured interviews- use of a set of predetermined questions and of highly standardized techniques of recording. Unstructured Interviews – flexibility of approach to questioning. Focused interview –to focus attention on the given experience of the respondent and its effects – attitudes and response to a situation in small group. Clinical interview – to diagnose and plan the treatment -broad underlying feelings or motivations or with the course of individual’s life experience Non directive interview -encourage the respondent to talk about the given topic with a bare minimum of direct questioning
- 16. Advantages of interview method More information - in greater depth Interviewer by his own skill can overcome the resistance Yield an almost perfect sample of the general population. Greater flexibility and effective observation and group discussions. Information for Personal, characteristics and environment collection easily . Samples can be controlled more effectively Non-response generally remains very low. secure the most spontaneous reactions Interviewer can usually control which person(s) will answer the questions. Misinterpretations concerning questions can be avoided.
- 17. Disadvantages of Interview Expensive method Possibility of the bias of interviewer as well as that of the respondent; Data inadequacy- respondents such as important officials or executives or people in high income groups may not be easily approachable. Time-consuming Over-stimulate the respondent to give imaginary information. Selecting, training and supervising the field-staff is more complex with formidable problems. Presupposes proper rapport with respondents
- 18. Telephonic interviews Contacting respondents on telephone itself. Flexible, faster & cheaper Recall is easy; callbacks are simple and economical. The non-response is generally very low. Replies can be recorded. Interviewer can explain requirements more easily. Access can be gained to respondents No field staff is required. Representative and wider distribution of sample is possible
- 19. Demerits of telephonic interview Little time- interview period is not likely to exceed five minutes in most cases. Surveys are restricted to respondents who have telephone facilities. Extensive geographical coverage may get restricted by cost considerations. not suitable for intensive surveys where comprehensive answers are required to various questions. Possibility of the bias of the interviewer is relatively more. Questions have to be short and to the point; probes are difficult to handle
- 20. Questionnaire method A questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed or typed in a definite order on a form or set of forms.
- 21. Merits of questionnaire methods Low cost even when the universe is large and is widely spread geographically. It is free from the bias of the interviewer; answers are in respondents’ own words. Respondents have adequate time to give well thought out answers. Respondents, who are not easily approachable, can also be reached conveniently. Large samples can be made use of and thus the results can be made more dependable and reliable
- 22. Demerits of questionnaire method Low rate of return of the duly filled in questionnaires; Bias due to no-response is often indeterminate. Used only when respondents are educated and cooperating. Control over questionnaire may be lost once it is sent. Inbuilt inflexibility because of the difficulty of amending the approach once questionnaires have been dispatched. Possibility of ambiguous replies or omission of replies altogether to certain questions; Interpretation of omissions is difficult. Difficult to know whether willing respondents are truly representative.
- 23. Key aspects of questionnaire General form: it can either be structured or unstructured questionnaire. Structured Question sequence: Effective and to ensure quality to the replies received, A proper sequence – less misunderstanding. Must be clear and smoothly-moving, Relation of one question to another should be readily apparent to the respondent, Questions that are easiest to answer being put in the beginning.
- 24. Contd… Question formulation and wording Be easily understood Be simple - Should convey only one thought at a time Be concrete and should conform as much as possible to the respondent’s way of thinking Be impartial Constructed with a view to their forming a logical part of a well thought out tabulation plan.
- 25. Questions? Multiple choice question / closed questions Have the advantages of easy handling, simple to answer, quick and relatively inexpensive to analyze. Open-end question- Designed to permit a free response from the respondent- give the respondent considerable latitude in phrasing a reply
- 26. Effective questionnaire Short and simple Logical sequence moving from easy to more difficult questions. Personal and intimate questions should be left to the end. Technical terms and vague expressions capable of different interpretations should be avoided in a questionnaire. Questions may be dichotomous (yes or no answers), multiple choice (alternative answers listed) or open-ended. Open ended avoided in a questionnaire – difficult to analyze Some control questions in the questionnaire which indicate the reliability of the respondent. Questions affecting the sentiments of respondents should be avoided. Adequate space for answers should be provided in the questionnaire to help editing and tabulation. Provision for indications of uncertainty, e.G., “Do not know,” “no preference” and so on. Brief directions with regard to filling up the questionnaire.. Physical appearance of the questionnaire affects the cooperation the researcher receives from the
- 27. THROUGH SCHEDULES Enumerator specially appointed to fill the schedules Very much like the collection of data through questionnaire, with Filled in by the enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose. These enumerators along with schedules, go to respondents, put to them the questions from the proforma in the order the questions are listed and Record the replies in the space meant for the same in the proforma.
- 28. Difference- questionnaire and schedules
- 29. Secondary data Data that was collected by someone other than the user Include censuses, information collected by government departments, organizational records and data that was originally collected for other research purposes