CHAPTER 6:
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Presented by Group 6
Overview Of Chapter
What are Data? Collecting & Examining
Fore types of data collection method Feeling
Interviewing Conclusion
Observing
What are DATA
Data in Qualitative Research include Interviews, Observations,
Documents and even Researchers’ Own Reflections.
Aim: to understand participants’ perspectives and the social setting.
Data are rich, descriptive details that help understand meaning, not
Numarical.
Introduction to Four Types of Data
Collection Methods
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Interview
Types of Interviews
Structured Interview
Researcher asks a fixed set of questions
Same questions for everyone
Easy to compare answers, but not very detailed
Qualitative Interview
Open and friendly conversation
Questions can change during the talk
Helps understand people’s real thoughts and feelings
Group Interviews
Researcher talks with “a small group” of people together
Group size: about “2 to 10 people”
People share ideas and learn from each other
Researcher listens to the whole group, not just one person
Works well when discussion helps people speak more freely
Focus Group Discussion
A “focus group” is a planned group talk on one topic
Members have similar experiences or backgrounds
The Moderator guides the talk and keep every one involved
Observing
Observation means watching people or events carefully.
It helps to see what really happens in real life.
Used to study how people act, talk, and work together.
Two types of observation:
Participant:
Researcher joins the activity
Non-participant:
Researcher only watches and takes notes
How and Why We Observe
Researcher writes notes, takes photos, or records videos.
Notes should be written soon after watching.
Focus on what is seen and heard, not personal opinions.
Good for studying schools, workplaces, or communities.
Helps understand things as they really happen.
Can be used with interviews for a better picture.
Collecting and Examining
Collecting Artifacts and Materials
Artifacts are real objects made or used by people.
Examples: tools, photos, clothes, artwork, posters, or reports.
They help researchers see how people live, work, and think.
Show what people value and create in their daily life.
Give a real-world view that interviews alone can’t show.
Using and Understanding Artifacts
Researchers collect, photograph, or study these items carefully.
Used with interviews and observation to understand situations better.
Example: studying classroom charts or students’ work to see real learning.
Artifacts must be handled respectfully and understood in context.
They make research findings richer and more meaningful.
Feelings
Feelings in Qualitative Research
Feelings are an important part of research.
Both participants and researchers have emotions.
Participants may feel happy, sad, angry, or excited during interviews or observations.
These feelings show what things really mean to them.
Researchers should notice and record these emotions carefully.
RESEARCHER’S FEELINGS AND IMPORTANCE
Researchers also have their own feelings while doing fieldwork.
Feelings should be understood but not allowed to control the research.
Writing them in a research diary or field notes helps stay aware.
Feelings make research more real and human.
They help the researcher understand people’s experiences deeply.
Conclusion
Robert K. Yin explains that data collection is not just
gathering facts but understanding people and real-life
situations. Using methods like interviews, observations,
and documents helps researchers get a complete
picture. He stresses that researchers should be honest,
respectful, and careful during fieldwork to produce
meaningful and trustworthy results.