Methods of research

Observation method
• This is when system analysts watch the workings and requirement of the current system.
• Involves watching the personnel using the existing system to find put exactly how it works.
• Direct observation – Directly watching and following employees as they carry out their tasks.
• Indirect observation – watching remotely via video cameras
• Things observed :
1. Procedure of tasks
2. Number of employees involved
3. Task duration
4. Problems encountered
6. Methods of data entry
7. Result output format
Pros and Cons of Observation method
PROS
• Acquisition of first hand information on the
workings of the system.
• More insightful , as some tasks may not be
fully documented.
• Quicker to understand processes.
• Can be more accurate and reliable
CONS
• Employees may work differently for the
usual routine due to discomfort of being
observed. Hence making it less reliable.
• Take a great deal of time especial if indirect
observation is used.
• The observer may be in the way of the
employees in the case of direct observation
Questionnaires
• This consists of a set of questions or prompts designed to gather information from individuals
or groups of people.
• Is mostly used where there is a large number of people to ask since there is a large enough
sampling size to avoid sampling bias
• They can be online or printed
• They can either be closed (multiple choice or selection )or open ended( answers are given in
open text format) questions.
ADVANTAGES
• Allows individuals to remain anonymous.
People will more likely feel free to give their
opinions.
• Useful for large number of people.
• Relatively less expensive compared to
other methods (especially for large
numbers ). Because costs related to time
and travel are reduced
• Quick to answer and analyse DATA
DISADVANTAGES
• It is difficult to compile effective
questionnaires.
• One will never know if the right
people(targeted group) responded
• There is no immediate e way to clarify a
vague/ incomplete answer to a question.
• Questions asked usually tend to e inflexible
• Rate of returning questionnaires usually
tend o be slow as others may forget to
return the queastionnaires.
Interviews
• This is the direct question and answer sessions between the system analysts and the
interviewee( customer or employee). Can be one on one or with a group .

• The interview can either be structured where the interviewer has a set of standard questions
which like for a questionnaire can be open or close ended. Or can be unstructured where the
interviewer asks questions without having a set order. In this case the proceeding questions is
heavily influenced by the interviewee’s response to the previous questions.
 ADVANTAGES
• Interviewee’s answers can be clarified
easily .
• Body language can be used to clarify
genuine answer.
• Interviewer can ask the interviewee more
detail.
• This method is flexible as it allows the
interviewer to modify the questions as
required throughout the interview.
DISADVANTAGES
• Time consuming especially for large
numbers.
• Lack of anonymity may cause interviewee’s
to not give honest answers.
• Can be expensive to conduct due to setup
expenses.
• Quality of information obtained is heavily
depended of the interviewer’s skill to
attract information.
• Since information obtained is qualitative , it
is more difficult to analyse.
Document Analysis
• This is a method where existing documents within the organization are used by system
analysts to see how data moves through the system
• Shows how data is collected, entered, processed and reported as it passes through the
system.
•
Advantages of Document inspection
• Accurate information is obtained
• 1st hand information is obtained
• Is efficient as documents are readily available especially with the proliferation of digital
archives and databases
• Compared to other methods it is less expensive as it generally requires fewer resources than
conducting surveys, experiments or fieldwork.
• Document inspection provides permanent records which can be reviewed multiple times. This
allows for repeated analysis and verification of data.
Disadvantages.
• Authenticity as not all documents are genuine and sometimes it can be difficult to verify the
authenticity of a document.
• Bias and Subjectivity – since document are products of their time and author, they may reflect
personal , political or institutional bias and these can affect the information they contain.
• Confidential files are not given to the researcher.
• Time consuming as you may be presented a large number of documents that need to be
analysed.