DATA COLLECTION

DATA COLLECTION - It is the procedure of collecting, measuring and analyzing

accurate insights for research using standard validated techniques.
Allows you to gain first-hand knowledge and original insights into your research
problem.
In most cases, data collection is the primary and most important step for research,
irrespective of the field of research.

QUANTITATIVE DATA VS QUALITATIVE DATA

QUANTITATIVE - Information that can be measured and written with numbers. This
type of data claims to be credible, scientific and exact.
It is used to confirm or test something (a theory or hypothesis). It is analyzed
through math and statistical analysis.

QUALITATIVE - Information that cannot be measured. It may involve multimedia

material or non-textual data. This type of data claims to be detailed, nuanced and
contextual.
It is used to understand something (concepts, thoughts, experiences). It is analyzed
by summarizing, categorizing and interpreting.

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

Method When to use How to Collect Data

Observations To understand something You observe your sample

in its natural setting. and listen to their
- Participant
conversations.
- Non-participant

Interview To gain an in-depth Verbally ask participants

- Structured understanding of open-ended questions
 - Unstructured perceptions or opinions on
a topic.
Focus Group To gain an in-depth Several people selected by a
understanding of non-random method who
perceptions or opinions on share some characteristics
a topic. or experience relevant to
the research.

Secondary data To analyze data from Find existing datasets that

collection populations that you can’t have already been collected,
access first-hand. academic text books,
journal review articles,
documentaries, biographies,
official statistics and
annotations.

Existing Databases Often used in conjunction It includes census data,

with survey data knowledge/attitude/behavior
(KAB) studies, performance
data, non-confidential client
information, agency
progress reports, etc.

Pre/Post Tests Situation in Pre-test - a preliminary

which variables are test to determine their base
Experiments
controlled and manipulated knowledge (before
to establish cause-and- experiment).
effect relationships
Post-test: after completion
of an experiment to
evaluate their achievement
(after experiment).

DATA COLLECTION PROCESS

Guidelines:
1) Choose an appropriate instrument for a meaningful outcome.
2) Ensure that the instrument has validity and reliability.
3) Your instrument should not have any bias.