Data collection methods

Data collection methods

1. Research methods

   • Used to
     • Understand contexts.
     • Evaluate hypothesis

2. Sociological research methods

   • Quantitative methods
     • Measurement by surveys, statistics, social network and demographics.
   • Qualitative
     • Interviews, observation and textual analysis.

3. Data collection instruments

   • Accurate & systematic data collection
   • Allows us to get information we need.
   • Methods of data collection.
     • Documents reviewed, observation, questioning, measuring or recombination of different methods.

4. Questionnaire

   • Series of questions asked to an individual or a group.
   • Gathers data from the responses.
   • Data collection instrument.
   • Steps:
     • 1.Define objectives.
       • Collects accurate data to reach reliable conclusions.
       • Should minimize unanswered questions.
     • 2. Define target and methods.
       • Clearly define the target and the populations in which you will base your investigation.
         • Some useful research methods are...
           • Personal contact.
           • Online questionaries.
           • Presential interviews.
     • 3.Design.
       • Decide the questionnaire content.
         • Each question should contribute to testing.
           • Questions can be open or close format.
       • To write it take into account:
         • Clarity
           • Same meaning for everyone
         • Phrasing.
           • Question shall be precise, simple, avoid negatives and be coherent with the objective
         • Sensitive questions
           • Avoid embarrassing manners.
         • Hypothetical questions.
           • Do not include.
     • 4.Testing.
       • Pre-test the questionnaire to solve the confusing points.
       • Participants are selected randomly.
     • 5.Administration
       • Collection of both subjective and objective data in a large sample.
       • Protects privacy.
       • Can measure qualitative and quantitative data but it's mainly quantitative.
     • 6. Results interpretation

5. Interview

   • Collects data by asking questions.
     • Types
       • Structured
         • Questions are organized and scheduled,
         • Additional intervention is to clarify your question and ask for more explanation to the respondent.
       • Semi-strtuctured
         • Plan questions but the interviewer has freedom to change them.
       • Indebt
         • Less formal, the least structured.
           • Is more appropriate to collect complex information.
       • Focus group discussion
         • Structured discussion simulating conversation around it.
         • Interaction and reaches the quality and quantity of the information.
         • Practical issues.
           • 8-10 participants, 1 facilitator, 1 notetaker, preparation, identifying the purpose., identifying the participants, develop questions and running focus groups.
   • Advantages
     • Collect personal information.
     • More control of the questions.
       • Ability to change them.
   • Disadvantages
     • Analysis of quality data.
     • Personal involvement of the interviewer