Data Collection

Under supervision
Prof / Fawzia Abusaad
Prof / Doaa Abd Elhamid
Prepared by
Asmaa Mohsen Ali
Ashwaq Alosaimi
2025 / 2024
 Def. of data
 Types of data
 Def. of data collection
 Methods of data collection
 Primary data collection methods

 Secondary data collection methods

?What is Data

Data refers to raw facts, figures, or information collected

from various sources for analysis or processing. It serves

as the foundation for creating knowledge, make decisions,

and solving problems.

:Types of data
:A- Based on Nature

Qualitative Data: Descriptive, non-numeric information, arranged into 

categories, mostly covers data regarding feelings, perceptions, and
.emotions (e.g., gender, colors, emotions)
Quantitative Data: Numeric, measurable information, can be measured or 
counted used in it the numbers, represented in tables, graphs, or charts.
.(e.g., age, height, weight)
:Based on Source

Primary Data: First-hand information collected by researcher 

himself through direct methods such as surveys, questionnaire,

or interviews, observations etc. Helps to gain high-quality data

.which can improve results

Secondary Data: Data collected or written by other 

researchers and reused in a different context, obtained from

sources like reports, books, newspapers, journals or online

.databases. Any reference must be Acknowledged

Definition of data collection

Data collection is an important aspect of any type of research 

study that enables the researcher to find answers to research

questions. Inaccurate and insufficient data collection can

.impact the results of a study and lead to invalid results

:Data collection methods

Selection one method of data collection methods depend on sources of

information primary (questionnaire, interviews, observations, focused

group discussion, surveys) or secondary (records, national census,

.books, magazine, published articles)

Questionnaire Method

 The most common data collection instrument.

It is a research instrument consisting of a list

of questions with instructions on how to

record the answers.

Useful to collect quantitative and qualitative 

.information
:Questions can be designed in different ways as the following

a. Open-ended questions: allow respondents to put their

own answer. increase the range of possible answer.

:Examples

?What are the training programs did you attend before 

How many cigarettes or packs of cigarettes did you smoke 

.on an average day? ____Cigarettes OR ____ Packs

B- Close-ended questions mostly based on yes/no, true /false or agree-
disagree answers, easier to analysis and apply and reduce the number of
possibility response.

:Examples

?Do you agree for this medication 

 Disagree  Agree
?Are you smoking 
 no  yes
C- Multiple and single choices that provide the opportunity to
choose a favorite topic by participants.
Example: Multiple response
?Which of the following outdoor activities did you do last week 
 Cycling  Hiking  Walking Running
  Swimming

Example: Single response

?In which age category are you 

Less than 20 years’ old -1
less than 30 years’ old -20 -2
More than 30 years’ old -3
 D- Likert scale question
a type of question that asks respondents to indicate their level of agreement toward
statement. It has 5 to 7 points, ranging from one extreme to another (e.g., Strongly Disagree
to Strongly Agree) and the participant to choose only one answer. It helps to assess the
feeling, attitudes, perceptions, or opinions of the participant toward certain issues.

Example:
.Environmental damage caused by single-use water bottles is a serious problem
Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree Agree Strongly agree
nor disagree

?How would you rate your knowledge of climate change and food systems
Very poor Poor Fair Good Excellent
Essentials of Good Questionnaire
 Should be short, clear and simple

Do you smoke? yes ( ) no ( )

 Avoid questions which depends on the memory
×× ×× ?How many times did you go into a supermarket last 3 months
None 2. 1-5 3. 6-10 4. 11-20 .1
 Technical terms, Jargon wards should be avoided
 Avoid negative phrasing
) ( Do you never use electronic devices? ×× Yes ( ) No
) ( Have you used electronic devices one or more times in the past month? √√ Yes ( ) No

 Should provide adequate space for answers in questionnaire

Steps for an Effective Questionnaire •

Prepare questions (choose types of questions, order them, write - •

instructions, make copies)

Select your respondents - •

Administer the questionnaire - •

Tabulate data collected - •

Analyze and interpret data collected - •

Advantages of questionnaire Method

Low cost •

Respondents who are not easily •

approachable, can also be reached
conveniently and have adequate time to think
.through the answers

Large samples can be used •

Disadvantages of questionnaire
Method

Time consuming and slow •

The respondents need to be educated •

and cooperative
 Interviews .2

The interview method of collecting data is effective way of gathering

information, involves verbal and non-verbal communications, obtain
reliable and valid measures in the form of verbal responses from one or
.more respondents
Interviewer asks questions to respondent. (which are aimed to get
information required for study)
Characteristics of Interview

The participants and the interviewer are strangers. Hence, the investigator -

.must get himself introduced to the respondent in an appropriate manner

The relationship between the participants and the interviewer is a temporary -

.one. It has a fixed beginning and termination points

Interview is a conversation with a specific purpose, obtaining information -

.relevant to a study
Types of Interviews
.Interview types can be structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews

Structured or Directive Interview

It is a formal interview (like a job interview), all interviewees face the same 
set of standardized questions which are pre-prepared before the interview
.session
The questions are asked in a set / standardized order and the interviewer will 
.not deviate from the interview schedule (so they are not flexible)
.These are based on closed-ended questions 
Example of Structured or Directive Interview

From the following items, tell me, which one of these affects your diabetes control “(Social “
.support, Income, Life stressors, Health services)

Semi-structured interview

Semi -structured interview involve the use of broad questions and are not fixed as 
.structured interview
Interviewers normally have a list of guide questions; there is space for dialogue and for 
.participant to offer responses that are not predetermined
Semi-structured interview conducted in various modes: face-to-face, by telephone, 
videophone. But face-to face is probably best

?Example: Please tell me what do you do to manage your diabetes

Unstructured or Non-Directive Interview

.Informal interviews 
The interviewer encourages the respondent to talk freely about a given topic with a 
.minimum of guidance
In this type of interview, a detailed pre-planned schedule is not used, will 
contain open-ended questions that can be asked in any order. Some questions
.might be added / missed as the Interview progresses

:Examples the interviewer saying

."I'd like to hear your views on the nursing role in hospital"

Unstructured or Non-Directive Interview

.Informal interviews 
The interviewer encourages the respondent to talk freely about a given topic with a 
.minimum of guidance
In this type of interview, a detailed pre-planned schedule is not used, will 
contain open-ended questions that can be asked in any order. Some questions might
.be added / missed as the Interview progresses
The interviewer goes into the interview with the aim of discussing one or two topics 
.and covered in detail

:Examples the interviewer saying

."I'd like to hear your views on the nursing role in hospital"

 Steps to an Effective Interview

 Prepare interview schedule

Select subjects/ respondent, introducing yourself, developing 

rapport

Conduct the interview 

Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview 

Advantages of the Interview Method

In-Depth information can be obtained 

Flexibility (can adapt questions based on 

the participant's responses)

Personal Interaction, useful for Illiterate 

Participants
Disadvantages of the Interview Method

.Time-Consuming especially if the sample size is large 

Lack of Anonymity (Some participants may feel 

uncomfortable sharing sensitive or personal information

.in face-to-face settings)

Interviewer and Participant Bias: The interviewer’s tone, 

wording, or reactions may influence the participant’s

responses and Participants may give socially desirable

.answers or withhold certain information

 observation.3
 Observation is the process of closely observing and the ability to

notice significant details.

This method can collect both qualitative (as a description of 

events) and quantitative data (using the duration or frequency of

.the subjects)

The researcher through observation is watching, listening and 

.recording phenomena systematically

 Steps for Effective Observation

Determine what needs to be observed (Plan, prepare

checklist, how to record data)

Select your participants (Random/Selected)

Conduct the observation

)venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs (

Collect data

Analyze and interpret data collected

Types of observational methods
Structured observation methods-1

It is an approach in which the aspect of the phenomena to be observed are operationally

.defined and describe in advance
For developing an observation tools, the researcher should review of literature, concept
definition and analysis, using expert opinion and translating the concept into items or
.indicators
The role of observer in structured observation is non-participative. The observer stand
.outside of what is being observed and tries not to influence on the situation
unstructured observational methods-2

It is used for situations where little is known about the phenomenon under

.investigation or when the existing Knowledge is lacking

Unstructured observation allows the observer (participant observer) to take notes

about their observations. A problem with this is that the researcher may be

selective in what to focus on. Observations can be recorded by using audio or

.video
Advantages of observation Method

.Produces Large quantities of data-1

.The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time-2
Relative Inexpensive-3

:Limitation of observation

Time consuming-1
.Extensive Training is needed-2
When people know they are being observed; they become self- -3
conscious and potentially change their behavior
 Focused Group Discussion(FGD)
 Unstructured and Free flowing of small homogenous groups
meeting (Similar lifestyles and experiences)

FGD has one Moderator (group facilitator) who conduct and 

.control the discussion

.The optimum size of a focus group 4-12 participant 

Group interview start with broad topic and focus in on specific 
issues. Generate discussion and interaction. Everyone gets a
chance to speak
is one of several qualitative data collection )FGD( 
.methods
:Purpose of FGD

to identify issues and themes, not just interesting 

information, and not “counts”. Group discussion is

started by asking general questions and group members

are encouraged to discuss their answers in some depth.

The richness and validity of this information will

.depend on the extent that trust exists

FGD preparation

.Select the participants of the same hierarchical levels •

Set locations •

Meeting appointments and times •

Select a location that is easy •

.The location will be free from visual or audible distractions •

Comfort chairs and a table should be available for writing notes and
.holding a microphone

A round table may be better than a rectangular contact with potential

.participants
:FGD is Inappropriate when

.Language barriers are insurmountable 

.Evaluator has little control over the situation 

.Trust cannot be established 

.Confidentiality cannot be assured 

5. Survey Methods

 It is a technique of gathering
information by questioning from
individuals who are belong to a
representative sample, through
standardized or questioning
procedure. appropriate method to
determine feelings, opinions, and
thoughts.
 It can provide a large volume of data using telephone calls, emails, or face-to-face

interviews.

In a survey, a set of questions are provided to give a sample that is chosen from a

specific target population. This sample presents the characteristics and behaviors

of the population. Surveys are conducted to explore the populations' attitudes, the

differences between different populations' behavior and discover the possible

.changes over time by repeating surveys in regular time intervals

…There may be different ways to conduct surveys

Online survey administered through the internet using platforms such as

Google Forms or Survey Monkey. It cost-effective, quick to distribute, and can

.reach a large audience. Easy to analyze results with built-in tools

Telephone Surveys conducted over the phone, often using a script or

questionnaire. It can reach populations without internet access, allows for

.clarification of questions, and can yield high response rates

Face-to-Face Surveys in-person interviews

where respondents answer questions directly to

an interviewer. High-quality data due to the

ability to observe non-verbal cues and clarify

.questions on the spot. Useful for complex topics

Secondary Data Collection Methods

:Sources of secondary data collection

 Books, Magazines, Newspaper

 Online database (PubMed, google scholar)

 Reports by research scholars, Universities, economist

 Public Records (hospital, school, birth and death)

 National Census

 Technical and trade journals

Factors to be considered before using secondary data
Data Suitability– Scope, and nature of original inquiry should be studied •

Relevance to Research Objectives–Does the data directly address the •

?research question or objectives

Data Accuracy and Validity– Level of accuracy, was the data collected •
?using valid methods

?Data Completeness– Is the dataset comprehensive and complete •

:Advantages of Secondary Data Collection

Cost-Effective and Time-Saving (already 

collected)
Large Data Sets, comes in comprehensive 
.forms, allowing for broader analysis
Accessibility (public databases, online 
.archives) are freely or easily accessible
:Disadvantages of Secondary Data Collection

Relevance Issues: data might be not specific to the 

.target population
Lack of Control (cannot control how the data was 
collected)
Incomplete Information (lack details needed for 
in-depth analysis)
Legal and Ethical Concerns (Using copyrighted 
.data may lead to legal issues)