Quantitative and Qualitative

Data Collection Methods

Luan Nguyen
 Lecture Overview
• Identifying variables
• Constructing hypotheses
• Selecting data collection methods
Identifying Variables
 Topics covered
• Concepts and variables
• Types of variables
• Types of measurement scales
 Variable
• An image, perception or concept that is
measurable
• Gender (male/female)
• Variables take on different values often
expressed as numbers
• Age (x years, y months)
• Use of measurement scales to vary the degree
of precision in measurement
 Discussion
• Read the encyclopedia entry: What is a
variable?
• Visit this website: What do variables look like
in real, published research?
Types of variables
Constructing Hypotheses
 Topics covered
• Definition of a hypothesis
• Function of hypothesis
• How to formulate a hypothesis
• Types of hypotheses
• Errors in testing hypotheses
 Hypothesis
• Verification of an assumption/ assertion
• Assumptions become the basis of the enquiry and are
called hypotheses
• Hypotheses bring focus to the research problem in
quantitative research
• Grinnell’s definition (1988, p. 200)
– A tentative proposition that can be proven or disproven
– Validity is unknown, hence reliable and valid data needed
– Specifies a relationship between variables
 Discussion
• Visit this website: What is the difference
between a hypothesis and a research
question?
• Visit this website: What are some of the most
bizzare social science hypotheses researchers
have tried to test?
The process of testing a hypothesis
Types of hypotheses
 Null hypothesis H0
• The null hypothesis states that there is no
difference between two situations, groups,
outcomes, or the prevalence of a condition or
phenomenon.
• H0: There is no difference in the average age of
male and female students in this class
• Hypothesis of difference: There is a difference in
the average age of male and female students in
this class.
 Discussion
• Watch this video: What are some examples of
alternative and null hypotheses?
Type I and Type II errors
 Discussion
• Visit this website: What are the two types of
hypothesis errors, and how do they differ?
• Visit this website: How do you reduce errors in
hypothesis testing?
Selecting Methods of Data
Collection
 Topics covered
• Major sources
• Primary sources
• Secondary sources
Discussion
• Watch this video: What
is epistemology?
• Visit this website: What
is the importance of
epistemology in
research, and how does
it relate to data
collection?
Methods of data collection
 Major data sources
• Primary data: The researcher undertakes the
data collection
• Secondary data: The data is already available
and can be reanalysed
 Six major data collection methods
• Tests: standardised and researcher constructed for
specific purposes
• Questionnaires: self-reported survey instruments
• Interviews: researcher interviews participants
• Focus groups: small group discussion led by moderator
who keeps group focused
• Observation: looking at what people do
• Existing or constructed and secondary data: archived
data and existing “data” left behind for other purpose
 Discussion
• Visit this website: What are examples of
closed and open questions, and why is
effective questioning important?
• Visit this website: How do you create effective
questions?
 Discussion
• Watch this video: What are the two main types of
interviews, and when might you use each one?
• Watch this video: How do you develop
confidence in your questioning during
interviews?
• Read the encyclopedia entry: How can an
interview guide help you in your research?
• Visit this website: How do you construct a useful
interview guide?
 Discussion
• Visit this website: What are the two main
types of observation, and how might you
undertake them?
• Explore this case study: What does an
observational study look like?
 Discussion
• Read this chapter: Where can you find secondary data sources?
• Riedel, M. (2000). Sources of secondary data. In Research strategies
for secondary data: a perspective for criminology and criminal
justice (pp. 27-48). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
• Read this chapter: How can you assess the credibility and relevance
of secondary data sources?
• Secondary data and research. (2014). In Clow, K. E., & James, K.
E. Essentials of marketing research: Putting research into
practice (pp. 62-94). London: SAGE Publications Ltd
 Discussion
• Visit this website: What are some examples of
quantitative research instruments, and how
do they differ from qualitative instruments?
• Visit this website: How do you choose a
quantitative research instrument that is well-
suited to your research?
 Reflections
• What is the main ‘learning point’ or ‘take-away’ for you?
• Which models do you use in your research? How does it help you to
reflect?
• To what extent do you think you can apply the idea from the lecture
to address your professional issue(s)?
• Challenges: Which parts of the lecture raise a red flag for you?
• Concepts: What key concepts would you pass onto someone who
has not attended the lecture?
• Changes: What changes in attitudes, thinking or action are
suggested by the lecture, either for you or others?
 Q&A
• Do you have any questions?
• See you next week