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DATA COLLECTION
METHODS

Sources of Data

Primary data: information obtained rst hand

by the researcher on the variables of interest for
the specic purpose of the study.

Examples: Interviews, Questionnaire, Focus group

Secondary data: information gathered from

sources already existing.

Examples: company records or archives,

government publications, industry analyses
offered by the media, web sites, the Internet.
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Data collection Methods

(Primary)

Data collection methods include three

main methods:
1- Interviewing:
2- Questionnaires
3- Observation

Unstructured Interviews
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Unstructured Interviews are so labeled

because the interviewer does not enter
the interview setting with a planned
sequence of questions to be asked of the
respondent.
The objective of the unstructured
interview is to bring some preliminary
issues to the surface so that the
researcher can determine what variables
need further in-depth investigation.

Structured Interviews
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Structured Interviews are those conducted when

it is known at the outset what information is
needed.
The interviewer has a list of predetermined
questions to be asked of the respondents.

Types of Questions
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Open Ended Questions

To get a broad idea about the situation.

require a response with more depth and a lengthier
response
Generally asked during exploratory study
How do you feel about your
employer/organization?

Closed Ended Questions

Already provides the responses to choose from
How do you feel about your employer/organization?
1. Good
2. Bad

Observation
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Observational Surveys.
It is possible to gather data without asking
questions of respondents. People can be observed
in their natural work environment or in the lab
setting, and their activities and behaviors can be
noted and recorded.

People movements, work habits, their facial

expressions of joy, anger, and other emotions ,
and body language can be observed.