RESEARCH METHODS DATA COLLECTION

DEFINITIONS
Data refers to qualitative or quantitative attributes of a variable or set of variables. Data (plural of "datum") are typically the results of measurements and can be the basis of graphs, images or observations of a set of variables.

Measurement: Is the assignment of numerals to objects or events according to rules. Measurement is effected by means of a certain instruments such as a gauge, a ruler, a scale or a test. These instruments must have validity (does the instrument measure what it purports to) and reliability (consistency) . Quantitative data collection: relies on random sampling and structured data collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into pre determined response categories. They produce results that are easy to summarize, compare and generalize. Quantitative data is defined as any type of data that can be represented by numbers.

DEFINITIONS CONTD
Qualitative data collection: plays an important role in impact evaluation by providing information useful to understand the process behind observed results and assessing changes in peoples perception of their well-being. Primary data: original data collected for a specific research problem at hand, using procedures that fit the research problem best e.g. data collected by experimentation( researcher has full control over who participates in the experiment and can manipulate one or more independent variables following a planned design and observe the effects of the independent variable of the dependent variable.

Secondary data: this is data that is originally collected for a different purpose and reused for another research question eg data sets collected by University-based researchers is often archived by data archives set up for purposes of releasing and disseminating this kind of data to general research communities.

INTRODUCTION
In order to carry out research effectively we need to have a means of obtaining data. This helps the researcher and those who will access the research finding to evaluate the validity and reliability of the results and conclusion that will be drawn latter on. Five important aspects that will ensure this are;

1. The Nature of the investigation

Aims and purposes; refers to the general intention of the research. It answers the question such as, What is the research supposed to accomplish. State the problem under investigation, the reason for the study, the history and theoretical background of the problem. Briefly state the general method of approaching the problem, the hypotheses and expected results. The null hypothesis means that the observed difference in the study just reflects chance variation while the alternative hypothesis means that the observed difference is real.

2.Objective and scope of inquiry

Objectives are more specific aims which the project to achieve with its own resources and activities within the time frame specified in the proposal. Overall objective; states what the project is meant to contribute in the long run and shows the impact that the program is meant to have on the bigger picture. Specific objective or immediate objective; these are very precise on what the project intends to achieve. They describe the situation at the end of the project and each specific objective should be phrased in a single sentence. They should meet the criteria of SMART in the sense that they can be achieved in the lifespan of the project.

3. Resources
A list of materials and tools is meant to guide the planning and budgeting for the available resources. It is also meant assist the researcher plan early enough and acquire the necessary resources in time for the research. Explain how and with what materials the work will be done to, comprising the "methods and materials" section. Elaborate on the tests, processes or techniques you used to confirm or reject your hypotheses.

4. Time
Time frame for the data collection and research in general is usually stated in the work plan, each major activity is assigned a specific time period and for accuracy dates can also be assigned.

Work plan/description of activities & time. Sequence of activities, duration and timing in a chronological order. An activity is an action, which is necessary to transform given inputs into planned outputs within a specified period o time. For each output there will be one or more activities. They should be target- oriented.

5. Desired degree of accuracy

Data collected should be from a clearly identified population and at a certain sampling frame. Each variable should be clearly identified and values operationally defined. A guide book can be used to guide data collection.

A record of problems encountered and steps taken in daily research to deal with them, what was done and why?
Validity: The investigation should be valid in the sense that the conclusions drawn from it should be logically tenable and not subject to personal bias or preferences of the investigator. And should be achievable through randomization and replication.

PRIMARY DATA Examples of primary data collection methods

Quantitative; Experiment Interview survey Mail survey Spontaneous (passive) observation Monitoring Qualitative; Open interview Focus groups Unstructured diary Participant observation Existing records, health reports, images, sounds, new archives

SECONDARY DATA Examples of secondary data collection methods

Qualitative data records; Interviews e.g. public views Transcripts Field notes Audio visual materials

DATA COLLECTION Quantitative data collection.

Data is collected and instruments to be used depend on the kind of research to be undertaken for example; Survey Experiment Action research Case study research Testing Assessment And others.

Quantitative data collection methods.

Examples; Interviews; sample questions are posed directly to respondants. Questionnaires; offer respondants a range of questions to choose from. Observations Tests Accounts Biographies and case studies Role plays Simulations Personal constructs

Qualitative data collection

Can also generate hypotheses to strengthen the design of survey questionnaires and can also be use to expand and clarify quantitative survey findings. Characteristics of the methods; Tend to be open ended and have less structured protocols( researcher may change data collection by adding, refining or dropping techniques or informants). Rely more heavily on interactive interviews, respondants are interviewed several times. They use triangulation to increase the credibility of their findings ( researchers rely on several data collection methods to check authenticity of their findings). Findings are not generalized to any specific population, rather each case study produces a single piece of evidence that can be used to seek general patterns among different individuals studies of the same issue.

Qualitative data collection methods.

Examples; In depth interview Observational methods Document review Disadvantages ; It takes a great deal of time to collect this kind of data regardless of the kind of data involved. Researchers need to record any potentially useful data thoroughly, accurately and systematically, using field notes, sketches, audio tapes, photographs and other suitable means. Data collection method must strictly observe ethical principles of research.

REFFERENCES
http://www.slideshare.net/mssridhar/introdu ction-to-research-methodology-presentation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data Joop. J.H, Data Collection Primary vs Secondary

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