DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Data Collection Methods

Data Collection Methods

Introduction

Researchers often employ a specific method or several data collection methods to collect data, such as observation, case study, questionnaire, interview, focus groups, rapid rural appraisal, and secondary data. Some of these methods overlap with others, and some are more popular than the others (Pawar, 2004). Many of these data collection methods have different variations within them; for example, the observation method has been further delineated into structured, unstructured, participant, and non-participant observation, and the case study method into intrinsic, instrumental, and collective case studies. There are different types of questionnaires and ways of administering them (one to one, in groups, or through mail, including e-mail). Interviews have been classified into structured, semi-structured, and unstructured, which may be organized through face-to-face, by telephone, or by any other electronic mode (Lee, 2007). The focus group also has several types, including group interviews, group discussion, nominal group, and so on. These methods are very important because it is through these methods that data are collected.

Discussion

Data collection is a resource-intense activity in terms of time, money, and other resources, more so in the case of primary data collection. Researchers need to liberally estimate time, budget, personnel, and other resources, and make arrangements for the same in advance to ensure a smooth data collection process. Most important, timeliness is very important in data collection (Briggs, 2006). Researchers need to approach respondents, whether individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations, at a time that is convenient to them and they are available and willing to provide data. Another important aspect of timeliness is that researchers need to be in the field when the events occur so as to collect data in the natural setting, if the research issue/design requires such an approach. For example, field data on mass protests, mob behavior, village fares, or indigenous methods of harvesting cannot be collected whenever researchers desire to collect (Pawar, 2004). They have to be timely in collecting these types of data, just like a natural scientist can collect data on an eclipse only when it occurs.

Ethical Considerations

Researchers need to collect data according to the set ethical standards, which are often based on certain values and principles: honesty, truthfulness, privacy and confidentiality, self-determination and voluntary involvement, zero physical and psychological harm, dignity and worth of human beings, accountability, right to know on the part of respondents, fairness and impartiality on the part of researchers, and informed consent. On the other hand, researchers should avoid breach of confidence and agreements, absence of informed consent or self-determination/autonomy of respondents, deception, risk of harm or offense, acts involving conflict of interest, and any unethical act (Lee, 2007).

Impediments in Data Collection

Data collection is a planned, purposeful, and systematic activity. Despite choosing appropriate data collection methods; meticulously developing data collection instruments; planning adequate resources, including time; and meeting ethical standards, researchers may encounter several impediments in the data collection process (Briggs, 2006). One probable reason for these impediments is that the nature of the setting, the research problem, the ...