CUTTINGTON UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

P. O. BOX 10-0277
Monrovia, Liberia

Topic: Data Collection and its methodologies

Name: Jackson David

ID Number: GP 20129

Course: Statistical Methods 601

Submitted to: Henry Saryon Yaidoo

Date: December 14, 2021

 Introduction

As it is indicated in the title, this term paper is focusing on data collection methods whilst

emanating the key concepts in proceeding with data collection for research students. In

more details, you will expect to read the main section of the work including charts, the

importance of data collection, primary and secondary instrument, the types of data

analysis (collection) tools. The following are the top 3 data collection methods I have

listed into this term paper. Also discussed in detail is the nature, advantages and

disadvantages of each one. At the end of this paper, you will be best informed about the

types of data collection method.  

Types of Data Collection 

Before broaching the subject of the various types of data collection. It is pertinent to

note that data collection in itself falls under two broad categories; Primary data

collection and secondary data collection.

Primary Data Collection

Primary data collection by definition is the gathering of raw data collected at the source.

It is a process of collecting the original data collected by a researcher for a specific

research purpose. It could be further analyzed into two segments; qualitative research

and quantitative data collection methods. 

 Qualitative Research Method 

The qualitative research methods of data collection do not involve the collection of data

that involves numbers or a need to be deduced through a mathematical calculation;

rather it is based on the non-quantifiable elements like the feeling or emotion of the

researcher. An example of such a method is an open-ended questionnaire.

 Online forums

 In depths interviews

 Group

 Online communities

 Web survey chat

 Web survey chat

Online forums

Online communities
Qualitative data
collection tools

In depths interviews Group

 Quantitative Method

Quantitative methods are presented in numbers and require a mathematical calculation

to deduce. An example would be the use of a questionnaire with close-ended questions

to arrive at figures to be calculated mathematically. Also, methods of correlation and

regression, mean, mode and median.

 Face To
Face

Quantitive
Data
Online Mail
Collection
Tools

Phone

Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data collection, on the other hand, is referred to as the gathering of second-

hand data collected by an individual who is not the original user. It is the process of

collecting data that already exists, be it already published books, journals, and/or online

portals. In terms of ease, it is much less expensive and easier to collect.

Your choice between Primary data collection and secondary data collection depends on

the nature, scope, and area of your research as well as its aims and objectives. 

IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

There are a bunch of underlying reasons for collecting data, especially for a researcher.

Walking you through them, here are a few reasons; 

  Integrity of the Research

A key reason for collecting data is it through quantitative or qualitative methods is to

ensure that the integrity of the research question is indeed maintained.

 Reduce the likelihood of errors

The correct use of appropriate data collection of methods reduces the likelihood of

errors Disadvantages is tent with the results. 

 Decision Making

To minimize the risk of errors in decision-making, it is important that accurate data is

collected so that the researcher doesn't make uninformed decisions. 

 Save Cost and Time

Data collection saves the researcher time and funds that would otherwise be misspent

without a deeper understanding of the topic or subject matter.

 To support a need for a new idea, change, and/or innovation

To prove the need for a change in the norm or the introduction of new information that

will be widely accepted, it is important to collect data as evidence to support these

claims.

Data Collection Tool

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a

paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies,

Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all

tools used to collect data.

It is important to decide the tools for data collection because research is carried out in

different ways and for different purposes. The objective behind data collection is to

capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing

and credible answers to the posed questions.

INTERVIEW

An interview is a face-to-face conversation between two individuals with the sole

purpose of collecting relevant information to satisfy a research purpose. Interviews are

of different types namely; Structured, Semi-structured, and unstructured with each

having a slight variation from the other.

 Structured Interviews - Simply put, it is a verbally administered questionnaire.

In terms of depth, it is surface level and is usually completed within a short

period. For speed and efficiency, it is highly recommendable, but it lacks depth. 

 Semi-structured Interviews - In this method, there subsist several key

questions which cover the scope of the areas to be explored. It allows a little

more leeway for the researcher to explore the subject matter.

 Unstructured Interviews - It is an in-depth interview that allows the researcher

to collect a wide range of information with a purpose. An advantage of this

 method is the freedom it gives a researcher to combine structure with flexibility

even though it is more time consuming. 

Advantages  

 In-depth information

 Freedom of flexibility

 Accurate data.

Disadvantages  

 Time-Consuming

 Expensive to collect.

Types of Data Collection Tools for Interviews 

For collecting data through interviews, here are a few tools you can use to easily collect

data.

 Audio Recorder

An audio recorder is used for recording sound on disc, tape, or film. Audio information

can meet the needs of a wide range of people, as well as provide alternatives to print

data collection tools.

 Digital Camera
An Advantage of a digital camera is that it can be used for transmitting those images to

a monitor screen when the need arises.

 Camcorder

A camcorder is used for collecting data through interviews. It provides a combination of

both an audio recorder and a video camera. The data provided is qualitative in nature

and allows the respondents to answer questions asked exhaustively. If you need to

collect sensitive information during an interview, a camcorder might not work for you as

you would need to maintain your subject’s privacy.

QUESTIONNAIRES

This is the process of collecting data through an instrument consisting of a series of

questions and prompts to receive a response from individuals it is administered to.

Questionnaires are designed to collect data from a group. 

For clarity, it is important to note that a questionnaire isn't a survey; rather it forms a part

of it. A survey is a process of data gathering involving a variety of data collection

methods, including a questionnaire.

On a questionnaire, there are three kinds of questions used. They are; fixed-alternative,

scale, and open-ended. With each of the questions tailored to the nature and scope of

the research.

Advantages   
  Can be administered in large numbers and is cost-effective.

 It can be used to compare and contrast previous research to measure change.

 Easy to visualize and analyze.

 Questionnaires offer actionable data.

 Respondent identity is protected.

 Questionnaires can cover all areas of a topic.

 Relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantages

 Answers may be dishonest or the respondents lose interest midway.

 Questionnaires can't produce qualitative data.

 Questions might be left unanswered. 

 Respondents may have a hidden agenda.

 Not all questions can be analyzed easily.

Paper Questionnaire

A paper questionnaire is a data collection tool consisting of a series of questions and/or

prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Mostly designed for

statistical analysis of the responses, they can also be used as a form of data collection.

REPORTING
By definition, data reporting is the process of gathering and submitting data to be further

subjected to analysis. The key aspect of data reporting is reporting accurate data

because of inaccurate data reporting leads to uninformed decision making.

Advantages  

 Informed decision-making.

 Easily accessible.

Disadvantages

 Self-reported answers may be exaggerated.

 The results may be affected by bias.

 Respondents may be too shy to give out all the details.

 Inaccurate reports will lead to uninformed decisions.

OBSERVATION

This is a data collection method by which information on a phenomenon is gathered

through observation. The nature of the observation could be accomplished either as a

complete observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an observer, or as a

complete participant. This method is a key base for formulating a hypothesis.

Advantages

 Easy to administer.
  There subsists a greater accuracy with results.

 It is a universally accepted practice.

 It diffuses the situation of an unwillingness of respondents to administer a report.

 It is appropriate for certain situations.

Disadvantages

 Some phenomena aren’t open to observation.

 It cannot be relied upon.

 Bias may arise.

 It is expensive to administer.

 Its validity cannot be predicted accurately.

Best Data Collection Tools for Observation

Observation involves the active acquisition of information from a primary source.

Observation can also involve the perception and recording of data via the use of

scientific instruments. The best tools for Observation are:

 Checklists - state-specific criteria, allow users to gather information and make

judgments about what they should know in relation to the outcomes. They offer

systematic ways of collecting data about specific behaviors, knowledge, and

skills.

 Direct observation - This is an observational study method of collecting

evaluative information. The evaluator watches the subject in his or her usual

environment without altering that environment.

FOCUS GROUPS

The opposite of quantitative research which involves numerical-based data, this data

collection method focuses more on qualitative research. It falls under the primary

category for data based on the feelings and opinions of the respondents. This research

involves asking open-ended questions to a group of individuals usually ranging from 6-

10 people, to provide feedback.

Pros

 Information obtained is usually very detailed.

 Cost-effective when compared to one-on-one interviews.

 It reflects speed and efficiency in the supply of results.

Cons

 Lacking depth in covering the nitty-gritty of a subject matter.

 Bias might still be evident.

 Requires interviewer training

 The researcher has very little control over the outcome.

 A few vocal voices can drown out the rest.

 Difficulty in assembling an all-inclusive group.

What are the best Data Collection Tools for Focus Groups?
A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly facilitated and structured around

a set of questions. The purpose of the meeting is to extract from the participants'

detailed responses to these questions. The best tools for tackling Focus groups are: 

 Two-Way - One group watches another group answer the questions posed by

the moderator. After listening to what the other group has to offer, the group that

listens are able to facilitate more discussion and could potentially draw different

conclusions.

 Dueling-Moderator - There are two moderators who play the devil’s advocate.

The main positive of the dueling-moderator focus group is to facilitate new ideas

by introducing new ways of thinking and varying viewpoints.

 Conclusion

The research gave an intrinsic view of data and methods, while enabling researchers to

have an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research

questions, test, hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes. The data collection component of

research is common to all fields of study including physical and social sciences,

humanities, business, etc. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring

accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to

capture quality evidence that then translates to rich data analysis and allows the

building of a convincing and credible answer to questions that have been posed.

Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data (quantitative, qualitative),

accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the integrity of research. Both the

selection of appropriate data collection instruments (existing, modified, or newly

developed) and clearly delineated instructions for their correct use reduce the likelihood

of errors occurring.