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Data-collection

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34 views3 pages

Data-collection

Uploaded by

adkinsarif
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Data:

 Data refers to the Units of information or any statistics, facts, figures, general material,
evidence, or knowledge collected during the course of the study.
 Data are the observable and measurable facts that provide information about phenomenon
under study. For example, when physical growth of infant is the phenomenon under
study, the data required to measure physical growth would be the body weight, height,
chest, and head circumferences. In other words, using the data and information, indicators
are developed, which are the reflection of indirect or partial measures of a real situation.
 The aim of gathering and summarizing data is to transform this into meaningful
information in order to identify and measure variables, describe behavior, and compute
empirical evidences that are objective, reliable, and valid.

Sources of Data:
Information collected from different research studies generally depends on various sources.
However, a quality research study requires that highly reliable and valid data are collected.
Sources of data are discussed below:
 Primary sources: Primary data are directly collected from the research units, which may
be individuals, objects, programs, or institutions. Primary sources provide the first- hand
information collected by the researcher directly from the respondents or the situation,
which may be collected through interviews, questioning, observation, biochemical
measurements, and psychosocial measurement scales. Nursing research studies primarily
depends on the primary sources.
 Secondary sources: Secondary data are collected from either internal or external
secondary sources. External sources involve existing materials, such as published or
unpublished records. Published records may include the journals, magazines, newspapers,
government reports, statistical abstracts, census reports, constituents of mass
communication, and commission reports. Unpublished records may include official
records, patient records, thesis, dissertations, and reports. In addition, internal secondary
sources also known as private documents may include the biographies, personal diaries,
letters, memoires, etc.

Methods of data collection: The various steps or strategies used for gathering and analys- ing
data in a research investigation are known as the methods of data collection.
Technique of data collection: The means of gathering data with the use of specific tools used in
given methods are known as techniques of data collection.
Instrument/tools for data collection: A research instrument is a device used to measure the
concept of interest in a research project that a researcher uses to collect data.
Types of methods and Tools of Data collection:

Types of Data Collection Method Tools for Data Collection


1. Interview - Interview schedule
- Questionnaire
2. Questioning - Questionnaire
- Opinionnaire
- Composite scale/ Attitude scales
3. Observation - Rating Scale
- Checklists
- Anecdotes (Story telling)
- Videotapes
- Closed circuit TV
4. Others - Projective technique
- Q-sorts
- vignettes

Selection of Methods of Data Collection


Complete and appropriate answer of a research question largely depends on the selection of
appropriate methods of data collection, which generally begin at the time of selection of a
research design. A research question or hypotheses may be answered by using one or more
number of methods of data collection. However, selection of appropriate method of data
collection is influenced by several factors as discussed below:
a) The nature of phenomenon under study: The characteristics of the phenomenon being
studied dictate the choice of data collection methods. For instance, clinical practices may
require observation, while assessing group knowledge might necessitate interviews.
b) Type of research subjects: The type of research subjects influences data collection
methods. Interviews or observation may be suitable for disabled subjects, while
questionnaires may not be feasible.
c) The type of research study: Quantitative and qualitative research studies require different
data collection methods. Qualitative studies may use group interviews, while quantitative
studies may utilize structured interviews.
d) The purpose of the research study: The research study's purpose determines the data
collection methods. Exploration studies may use in-depth interviews, while descriptive or
correlational studies may use structured methods.
e) Size of the study sample: The study sample size affects the choice of data collection
methods. Interviews may be suitable for small samples, while questionnaires may be
preferable for larger samples.
f) Distribution of the target population: If target population is spread in a large
geographical area, it will not be possible to carry out interviews or observation, and
therefore, mailed questionnaires may be a better option, which will be more convenient
and cost- effective in such conditions.
g) Time frame of the study: The time frame of the study influences data collection methods.
Long-term studies may allow for less structured methods, while short-term studies may
require structured approaches.
h) Availability of resources and manpower: The availability of resources and manpower
affects the selection of data collection methods. Some methods, like interviews, require
more resources than questionnaires.
i) Researcher's knowledge level and competence: The researcher's knowledge and
competence impact data collection methods. Conducting interviews may require
specialized skills, while developing questionnaires may require strong writing skills.

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