Data are bits of raw information, usually in digital form, which can be transmitted
or processed to be meaningful.
Data gathering is a process of collecting information to answer research
questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.
Types of Data Sources
1. The primary data sources provide information that you, as a researcher,
collected from observations, interviews, or surveys. Collecting data from
primary sources is very expensive, but it can help you plan which data is
really important to serve the purpose of your research.
2. The secondary data sources provide information collected and processed
by another researcher or entity. This type of data sources can help you
know more about the research project before you can collect your
primary data. This includes articles, records, or publications, reviews, and
data obtained from the Web.
Data Gathering Methods
- Archival and institutional method - This method uses archives, libraries,
public records, museum collections, financial records, newsletters, etc.
- Observation method - Can produce descriptive data as well as numerical
data. It provides additional information because the researcher can give
insights based on observations
- Group discussions - Group of individuals are brought together to discuss a
particular topic. The environment is more relaxed and everyone can give
insights, ideas, or feedback on the topic
- Interviews - Can be connected in person or over the phone. This is usually
done to collect qualitative data or narrative data
- Questionnaires and Surveys - This method of data gathering gives results
which are easier to analyze because you can assign numerical values to
responses.
Data Gathering Tools (through internet)
- Search engines - a powerful online data gathering tool. Internet
connection and web browser are needed for search engines to work.
- Search Engine Optimization Tools - Help website owners gather data
about the visitors of their sites.
- Survey sites allow you to design a survey that can then be administered
via an internet link. These surveys can be posted on social media
accounts.
- A database is a comprehensive collection of data organized especially
for rapid search and retrieved by a computer.
- Open Data Philippines allows you to search, access and use government
data for your research, reports, projects, or applications for free. It is a
collection of government data that can be downloaded and shared by
anyone in the Philippines.
- The National Library also has an online database where you can view
materials online/ find its location on-site.
Note: this one is the one to be written in the exam
Data Gathering Tools (through hand-held devices)
- Audience Response System - It uses hand-held devices to gather
responses from a group joined together in one location at the same time
- Text Messaging - Mobile phones linked to a computer or a web-based
interface that can be used as a data-gathering tool
- Social Networking Sites - Require users to create profiles and input
personal infrastructure. Data could be collected through these sites for
trends and by soliciting information from specific users.
- Audio/video Conferencing - A form of communicating using computers
that are connected to the internet. It enables users to speak to other users
of the software free of charge. Video conference is a visual connection
between two users
Ways to Disseminate a Survey Form
- Group Administration
- Email Invitation
- Web Link
- Social Media
- Website
Things to Consider Before Conducting a Survey
- Let your respondents know why you are conducting the survey and what
you survey is about
- Check your questions
- Avoid open-ended questions
- Test your survey
- Always consider the deadline to receive the results
Creating a Survey
1. Open Google Drive
2. Under Google Apps, open Google Forms
3. Replace Untitled Form with the title of your survey
4. In the text box below the title, write a short description about your survey
5. Add a question for your survey. Choose the appropriate question type for
each question
