1. Concept & Formulation Plan of Data Collection
Concept of Data Collection: Information or facts collected through record-keeping, observation, and measurement are called data. Collecting this data is a core task in any research work.
💡 In Simple Words: Data is just raw facts. Data collection is the step where you gather those facts so you can analyze them and answer your research question.
6 Considerations While Formulating a Plan for Data Collection
🧠 Mnemonic: O-S-S-M-U-D
- Objective: The specific goals and purpose of the research.
- Scope: The boundaries, limits, and extent of the data to collect.
- Sources of Information: Deciding whether to use primary or secondary data sources.
- Method of Data Collection: Choosing tools like questionnaires, interviews, or observation.
- Unit of Data Collection: The specific standard unit of measurement used.
- Degree of Accuracy: The level of exactness required for the study.
Classification of Data
By Origin
- Primary Data: Firsthand data collected directly by the researcher for their own specific objective.
- Secondary Data: Pre-existing data collected by someone else in the past for another purpose.
By Format
- Qualitative Data: Non-numerical data based on qualities, traits, or characteristics.
- Quantitative Data: Data expressed numerically in counts or measurements.
2. Important Considerations & Secondary Data
6 Constraints/Considerations for Data Collection
- Sample Size: The number of subjects/units to include.
- Financial Resources: Money allocated for data gathering.
- Cost: Total expenditure incurred.
- Time: Duration available to collect data.
- Availability of Technology: Digital tools, hardware, and software.
- Response Rate: Percentage of people who actually complete the survey.
Sources of Secondary Data
| Category | Specific Sources Included |
|---|---|
| 1. Published Sources |
a. Government reports and publications b. Publications of semi-government organizations c. Reports & publications of international organizations (UN, WB, IMF) d. Private publications (journals, books, magazines) |
| 2. Unpublished Sources | Internal records, manuscripts, unreleased company reports, research notes. |
| 3. Computerized Database | Digital archives, online repositories, electronic research databases. |
Uses & Advantages of Secondary Data
6 Core Uses
- For reliability
- To supplement primary data
- Use for reference purpose
- For comparison
- For resolving research problems
- For aiding primary data collection
5 Advantages
- Easy to generalize
- Cheap (cost-effective)
- Quick to obtain
- Helps to cross-check findings
- Reliability
⚠️ Precautions in Secondary Data (The SAR Test)
- Suitability: Data must match the specific purpose and objective of your research.
- Adequacy: Data depth and coverage must be sufficient.
- Reliability: Data must originate from a trusted, authentic source.
3. Primary Data & Research Interviews
Sources of Primary Data: 1. Interview (Direct personal, Indirect oral) | 2. Questionnaire
Definition: A research interview is a conversation with a purpose, making it more than a mere oral exchange of information.
7 Key Features of a Research Interview
- Questions must be purposive and in logical order.
- Interviewer must provide adequate time for appropriate answers.
- Do not undervalue respondents; use polite, proper wording.
- Match questions to the capacity/understanding of respondents.
- Listen carefully without cutting off responses.
- Motivate/put queries without directing or dictating answers.
- Interviewing is an art and skill requiring technique and knowledge.
Visual Diagram: Interview Execution Process
1. Preparation
2. Select Participants
3. Pilot Testing
4. Construct Questions
5. Prep Follow-ups
6. Implementation
7. Interpret Data
(Field Execution Steps: Preparation → Prepare Questions → Show Courtesy → Start/Record → Confirm/Clarify → End Interview → Transcribe)
Types of Research Interviews: Detailed Comparison
| Interview Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Personal / Face-to-Face Direct personal questioning at home, workplace, or suitable location. |
a. Clear answers b. Info from non-communicating means (body language) c. Detailed information d. Reveals respondent attitude |
a. Requires more respondents/field staff b. Expensive c. Risk of inaccurate data |
|
2. Telephone Interview Interviews conducted over phone for geographically spread subjects. |
a. Flexible b. Less time & labor c. Reliable d. Cheaper e. Higher response rate |
a. Incomplete info risk b. No non-verbal cues c. Limited respondents d. Not for comprehensive surveys e. High biasness risk |
5 Problems in Interviews
- Competency of interviewers
- Biasness of interviewer and interviewee
- Contradiction in responses
- Difference in culture
- Level difference (interviewer vs. interviewee)
10 Principles of Interviewing
- Unbiasness | 2. Relevance
- Welcome environment | 4. Flexibility
- Do not be director | 6. Co-operative
- Sincerity | 8. Promote comfort
- Control flow | 10. Active listening
4. Questionnaires: Principles, Design & Types
Definition: A formal list of questions designed to gather responses from respondents on a given topic, issue, or event. Used when variables and measurements are clearly defined.
10 Principles of Questionnaire Design
- Clear and precise: No ambiguous wording.
- Natural and familiar language: Simple words respondents understand.
- Unbias: Neutral phrasing that doesn't push an answer.
- Avoid double-barreled questions: Don't combine two questions into one.
- State explicit alternatives: Give clear option choices.
- Reliable and valid: Measures what it intends to measure consistently.
- Length: Keep it optimal (not too long).
- Match objectives: Every question must serve the research goal.
- Consider participants: Tailor to respondent background/ability.
- Pilot study: Pre-test and refine.
Diagram: 5 Steps of Questionnaire Design
1. Plan What to Measure
2. Formulate Questions
3. Order & Layout
4. Small Sample Pilot Test
5. Finalize
Components, Considerations & Classifications
| Category | Elements & Types Included |
|---|---|
| 3 Components/Parts | 1. Part incorporating explanatory information 2. Part incorporating personal information 3. Main part |
| 6 Considerations for Effectiveness | 1. Physical appearance | 2. Need of information | 3. Type/forms of questions 4. Length | 5. Wording | 6. Sequence |
| Classification by Structure |
• Exploratory: Open-ended questions to gather free opinions/ideas. • Formal Standardized: Structured questions built for standard analytical tools. |
| Classification by Administration |
• Online: Via internet, intranet, web, or email. • Mail: Sent directly to identified respondents via post. • Delivery & Collection: Distributed in person and collected later. • Telephone: Questions read out via telephone. |
| 4 Administration Metrics | 1. Contact rate | 2. Response rate | 3. Completeness rate | 4. Accuracy rate |
💡 Pre-Testing Definition: Administering the questionnaire to a small sample group first to verify that respondents understand questions properly before full rollout.
5. Qualitative Data & Observation Methods
Qualitative Data Collection: Subjective, structure-free approach used to describe issues, events, or feelings where respondents express opinions freely.
Methods of Qualitative Data Collection
- Depth Interview: In-depth, detailed individual qualitative interview.
- Focus Group Interview: Group discussion approach conducted via:
- a. Telephone focus group
- b. Online focus group
- c. Video-conferencing focus group
Observation Method
Definition: Intensive examination of a group event or social process where the researcher does not manipulate outcomes but accurately describes live behavior.
1. Participative Observation
Researcher joins the group/community as an active member, participates directly in activities, and observes while collecting data.
2. Non-Participative Observation
Researcher remains a pure outside observer without participating in group activities.
Non-Participative Observation: Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
a. Biaslessness (Unbiased data) b. Helps to get real/natural information c. Helps to generalize findings |
a. Chances of being far from reality b. Difficult to conduct c. Time consuming |
