MIWPU, Pune
Research Methods
Data Collection Methods
Dr. Shamim Mohammad, [Link]., PhD.
Data?
•Quantitative- Number, tests, counting,
measuring
•Qualitative- words, images, observations,
conversation, photographs
Data Collection?
•Process of gathering and measuring information on
variables of interests
•This research component is common to all fields of
study
Why do we need data?
•Information required for data analysis
•For know how on real time situation
•Comparison between two or more situation
•The goal is to capture quality data (evidence)
Source of Information?
•Primary •Secondary
•Data is collected by the •Data collected, gathered,
researcher himself/herself compiled by other
•Data is collected through researchers……books,
questionnaire, schedule, journals, newspapers etc
interviews, observation etc
Methods-Primary Source of
Data
•Interviews
•Questionnaires
•Experimentation
•Observation
•Delphi technique
•Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
Interview
•Effective way of gathering information •Demerits?
•Involves verbal and non verbal communications
•Can be conducted face to face, by telephone, online or
through mail
•Provides good response rate.
•Provides a greater opportunity to observe
the behaviour and attitude of the
respondent.
•Allows a respondent to adapt to questions
if they do not understand something.
•Ensures in-depth answers to questions.
Types of Interviews
•Structured interviews
•Semi-structured interviews
•Unstructured interviews
•Phone interviews
•Virtual interviews
•Panel interviews
•Informal interviews
Questionnaire-Surveys/Cross
sectional Study?
•The most common data collection instrument
•Useful for both quant and qual
•It should explain the objectives
•Must be clear, simple and short
•User friendly-avoid difficult and ambiguous
questions
Questionnaire
•A method requires asking series of questions to •Demerits??
obtain info from the respondents
•Info- attitudes, experiences or opinion
•Used for both quant or qualitative studies
•Self administered
•Researcher administered
•Close ended
•Open ended
Observation
•Observe verbal & non verbal, •Types
communications, surrounding •Participant observation
environment, culture and situations
•Non participant observation
•Need to keep meticulous records of
•Disguised observation
other observations
•Controlled observation
•Can be done through discussions,
observations of habits, rituals, review
of documentations,
Participant Observation
•A research method where a researcher
immerses in a particular groups’ activities,
behaviours, interactions, practices, and cultures
•Researcher is a participant observer
•Ethnographic studies- beliefs, culture, values,
and practices and complex social interactions
Non Participant Observation
•A method where a researcher observe and
documents a social settings, a group or individual
without actively participating in it.
•Features
•Observational distance- Not directly involved
•Objective Observations- Unbiased
•Structured or unstructured-- Flexible
Disguised/Undisguised
Observation
•When subject(s) not aware that they are being observed
•Provide more realistic and natural reactions’ of the subject(s)
•There are ethical concern-recording info without
notice/consent
•When subjects aware tat they are being watched-undisguised
•May lead to bias-since subjects know they are being studied
Experimentation
•A method where the researcher manipulate a variable
to establish case and effect relationship
•Cause-Independent variable
•Effect- Dependent variable
•Two arms
•Controlled research method-random assignment
•Very useful method for hypothesis testing
Delphi Technique
•Collecting opinions from a group of experts
through several rounds of questions
•Relies on those who are expert in their own area
•Can reach to consensus through several rounds
of questionnaires (1, 2, and 3)
•Used in forecasting trends and outcomes