DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
College Instructor / Mathematics & Engineering
Partido State University, Goa Camarines Sur
Civil Engineer | Master Plumber | Professional Teacher
Lesson Objectives
• Define data
• Determine the data collection methods
• Discuss the importance of collection methods
• Describe the types of data collection methods
• Differentiate Quantitative and Qualitative methods
• Identify the sources of data
What is data?
• Data is a collection of facts, figures, objects, symbols, and
events gathered from different sources.
• Organizations collect data with various data
collection methods to make better decisions.
• Without data, it would be difficult for organizations to
make appropriate decisions, so data is collected from
different audiences at various points in time.
What are Data Collection Methods?
• Data collection methods are techniques and procedures
used to gather information for research purposes.
• These methods can range from simple self-reported
surveys to more complex experiments and can involve
either quantitative or qualitative approaches to data
gathering.
• Some common data collection methods include surveys,
interviews, observations, focus groups, experiments, and
secondary data analysis.
Importance of Data Collection Methods
• Determines the quality and accuracy of collected data.
• Ensures that the data is relevant, valid, and reliable.
• Helps reduce bias and increase the representativeness of
the sample.
• Essential for making informed decisions and accurate
conclusions.
• Facilitates achievement of research objectives by
providing accurate data.
• Supports the validity and reliability of research findings.
Types of Data Collection Methods
• Primary Data Collection Methods
• Primary data is collected from first-hand experience and is
not used in the past. The data gathered by primary data
collection methods are specific to the research’s motive
and highly accurate.
• Primary data collection methods can be divided into two
categories: quantitative methods and qualitative methods.
Quantitative Methods
• Time Series Analysis: The term time series refers to a sequential order
of values of a variable, known as a trend, at equal time intervals. Using
patterns, an organization can predict the demand for its products and
services for the projected time.
• Smoothing Techniques: In cases where the time series lacks significant
trends, smoothing techniques can be used. They eliminate a random
variation from the historical demand. It helps in identifying patterns and
demand levels to estimate future demand. The most common methods
used in smoothing demand forecasting techniques are the simple moving
average method and the weighted moving average method.
• Barometric Method: Also known as the leading indicators approach,
researchers use this method to speculate future trends based on current
developments. When the past events are considered to predict future
events, they act as leading indicators.
Qualitative Methods
• Surveys: Surveys are used to collect data from the target audience
and gather insights into their preferences, opinions, choices, and
feedback related to their products and services. Most survey software
often has a wide range of question types to select.
• Polls: Polls comprise one single or multiple-choice question. You can
go for polls when it is required to have a quick pulse of the audience’s
sentiments. Because they are short in length, it is easier to get
responses from people.
• Interviews: In this method, the interviewer asks the respondents
face-to-face or by telephone. In face-to-face interviews, the
interviewer asks a series of questions to the interviewee in person
and notes down responses.
Qualitative Methods
• Delphi Technique: In delphi method, market experts are provided with
the estimates and assumptions of forecasts made by other experts in the
industry. Experts may reconsider and revise their estimates and
assumptions based on the information provided by other experts.
• Focus Groups: A focus group is one of the examples of qualitative data
in education. In a focus group, a small group of people, around 8-10
members, discuss the common areas of the research problem. Each
individual provides his or her insights on the issue concerned. A
moderator regulates the discussion among the group members.
Questionnaire: A questionnaire is a printed set of questions, either
open-ended or closed-ended. The respondents must answer based on
their knowledge and experience with the issue. The questionnaire is a
part of the survey, whereas the questionnaire’s end goal may or may not
be a survey.
Types of Data Collection Methods
• Secondary Data Collection Methods
• Secondary data is the data that has been used in the past.
The researcher can obtain data from the data sources, both
internal and external, to the organizational data.
• The secondary data collection methods can also involve
quantitative and qualitative techniques. Secondary data is
easily available and hence, less time-consuming and
expensive than primary data. However, with the secondary
data collection methods, the authenticity of the data gathered
cannot be verified.
Internal sources of secondary data:
• Organization’s health and safety records
• Mission and vision statements
• Financial Statements
• Magazines
• Sales Report
• CRM Software
• Executive summaries
External sources of secondary data
• Government reports
• Press releases
• Business journals
• Libraries
• Internet
Conclusion
• The conclusion you obtain from your investigation will set
the course of the company’s decision-making, so present
your report clearly, and list the steps you followed to
obtain those results.
• Make sure that whoever will take the corresponding
actions understands the importance of the information
collected and that it gives them the solutions they expect.