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DATA COLLECTION
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Explains in simple language about data collection in research methodology
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CHAPTER FIVEDATA COLLECTION
Data: raw information/unprocessed facts collected in a research.
Data Collection; methodical process of gathering and recording specific information relevant to
a given topic.
Types of Data
a. Primary Data; raw information from the source. Information collected from original source
by a researcher for a specific purpose. It’s collected both through qualitative and quantitative
research methods.
b. Secondary Data; information that exist in published books, articles journals or online portals.
This is second hand data collected by a researcher who is not the original user.
c. Qualitative Data; data that does not involve mathematical calculations. These data involves
non-quantifiable elements like the feeling or emotion of the researcher.
d. Quantitative data; data presented in numbers and require mathematical calculations to deduce
findings.
Data Collection Tools
Instruments used to collect data such as:
Interview; face to face conversation between two or more individuals with an intention of
collecting data.
Observation; scrutinizing a phenomena, an event or process and recording information
relevant to the topic of study.
Focus groups; involves asking open ended questions to a group of individuals usually
ranging from 6-10 people to provide feedback.
Experiments; conducting practicals to come up with findings on a given topic.
Questionnaires; series of questions used to gather data from respondents.
Questionnaires;
Research questions like at the core of systematic investigation because recording accurate
research outcomes is tied to asking the right questions. Asking right questions during research
helps the researcher to collect relevant and insightful information that ultimately influences the
outcomes.
Right research questions are typically easy to understand, straight to the point and engaging. The
research questions focuses on the research, determines the methodology and guides all stages of
inquiry, analysis and reporting. With the right research questions, you will be able to gather
useful information for investigation.
Quantitative research Questions;
These are questions that are used to gather quantifiable data from research subjects. The
questions are usually more specific and direct because they aim at collecting information that can
be measured (statistical information).
Types of quantitative research Questions
Descriptive research Questions; questions that gathers quantifiable data about the attributes
and characteristics of research subjects. The questions seek responses that reveal existing
RESEARCH METHODS CHAPTER 5 RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION PREPARED BY MR. ANTONY AMBIA 1
, patterns in the nature of the research subjects. Descriptive questions are typically closed ended
because they aim at gathering definite and specific responses from research participants.
Example;
1. How often to you make use of our fitness applications
( ) Always. ( ) Very often. ( ) Somehow often. ( ) rarely. ( ) Never.
Comparative research Questions
Questions that gathers information about the differences between two or more research subjects
across different variables. The questions help the researcher to identify distinct features that
Mark one research subject from the other while highlighting existing similarities. Comparative
research Questions are normally open ended.
Example;
2. What are the differences between a landline telephone and a smartphone?
3. What are the differences between work from home and on-site operations?.
Relationship based Research questions:
Questions that inquires into the nature of the association between two research subjects within
the same demographic. Helps to gather information pertaining to the nature of the association
between two research variables.
FRAMING RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Since research Questions like at the core of any systematic investigations. It’s important to know
how to frame a good research question.
A good research question should seek answers that actively contribute to a body of knowledge.
Types of Research Questions
a) Open ended Questions;
Questions that do not restrict respondents to a set of predetermined answer options. It allows the
respondent to freely express his or her perceptions and feelings towards the research subject.
Examples;
1. How do you deal with stress in the workplace?
2. How do you procure goods in your organization?
b) Close ended Questions
Questions that restrict respondents to a set of predetermined answers. They normally require yes
or no answers and are commonly used in quantitative research to gather numerical data from
research participants.
Examples;
1. Did you enjoy our ride?
Yes ( ). No. ( )
2. How likely are you to recommend our services
( ) Very likely ( ) somewhat likely ( ) unlikely.
c) Likert scale Questions.
Close ended question that is structured as a 3- point, 5-point or 7- point psychometric scale. The
questions measure the respondent's disposition towards multiple variables and can be unipolar or
bipolar in nature.
RESEARCH METHODS CHAPTER 5 RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION PREPARED BY MR. ANTONY AMBIA 2
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