Data Collection-notes

Data Collection Overview

  • Importance of selecting appropriate data collection methods for research.

  • Distinction between data collection methods and tools.

  • Main methods for obtaining primary data:

    • Survey / Questioning

    • Observation

Factors to Consider in Data Collection

  • Object and scope of inquiry.

  • Nature and types of inquiry.

  • Statistical unit.

  • Degree of accuracy.

  • Availability of resources.

The Survey Method / Questioning

  • Definition: Involves questioning people and recording responses for analysis.

  • Tools used: Questionnaire (a formal list of questions).

  • Advantages: More efficient and economical than observation.

  • Weaknesses:

    • Quality depends on respondents' willingness to cooperate.

    • Risk of non-response or misunderstanding of questions.

    • Potential for false information from respondents.

Techniques of Communication in Surveys

  1. Personal Interview

    • Characteristics: Two-way conversation, controlled by the interviewer.

    • Advantages: Detailed information, control over respondent engagement.

    • Limitations: Expensive, potential biases from interviewers, discomfort in unfamiliar settings.

  2. Telephone Interview

    • Advantages: Cost-effective, quick responses, faster study completion.

    • Limitations: Dependent on availability, discussion complexity, lower response rates than personal interviews.

  3. Mail Survey / Self-administered Questionnaires

    • Advantages: Cost-effective, allows thoughtful responses, higher anonymity.

    • Limitations: High non-response rates, respondents often provide inadequate information.

Improving Mail Survey Return Rates

  • Strategies to enhance response: follow-ups, notifications, shorter questionnaires, personalized mailings, incentives.

  • Main factors for low return rates: wrong addresses, presentation issues, lack of clarity in instructions.

Developing Research Survey Instruments

  • Question Construction:

    • Target data, classification and analysis, and administrative data necessary.

    • Key decisions: question content, wording, response structure, and sequence.

  • Importance of pre-testing questionnaires to identify weaknesses.

Guidelines for Successful Interviewing

  1. Plan and know the problem.

  2. Maintain a friendly, informal approach.

  3. Establish rapport with interviewee.

  4. Improve listening skills.

  5. Ensure a free-flowing but controlled conversation.

  6. Use interview guidelines for uniformity in larger studies.

Observation Method

  • Definition: Involves various sensory techniques to collect data.

  • Types:

    1. Participatory method.

    2. Non-participatory method.

    3. Mechanical recording devices.

  • Advantages: Only method for certain types of information, captures events in natural settings.

  • Disadvantages: Observer presence may not be predictable, can be slow and costly, subjective results.

  • Key considerations: Identifying who and what to observe and recording methods.

Secondary Data Collection

  • Definition: Data already collected and analyzed by others.

  • Sources of secondary data: Various published and unpublished sources.

  • Cautions for using secondary data: Reliability, suitability, and adequacy of data must be checked.

Selection of Appropriate Method for Data Collection

  • Key factors influencing method choice:

    1. Nature, scope, and object of inquiry.

    2. Availability of funds.

    3. Time constraints.

    4. Required precision of data.

  • Example Scenarios:

    • Telephone interviews for limited funding.

    • Personal interviews when funds allow for in-depth data.

    • Mix of methods for extensive geographic coverage.

    • Utilization of secondary data when suitable.