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Methods of Data Collection For Research

The document discusses four main methods of data collection for research: questionnaires, interviews, observation, and other documentary sources. Questionnaires involve administering a structured set of questions to respondents but rely on them self-reporting. Interviews are more flexible but also more expensive due to the personal interaction with interviewers. Observation allows researchers to directly collect behavioral data but can be time-consuming. Other documentary sources provide a supplementary way to collect existing information from publications, reports and records.

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abhijeetanand2010
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2K views

Methods of Data Collection For Research

The document discusses four main methods of data collection for research: questionnaires, interviews, observation, and other documentary sources. Questionnaires involve administering a structured set of questions to respondents but rely on them self-reporting. Interviews are more flexible but also more expensive due to the personal interaction with interviewers. Observation allows researchers to directly collect behavioral data but can be time-consuming. Other documentary sources provide a supplementary way to collect existing information from publications, reports and records.

Uploaded by

abhijeetanand2010
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Methods of Data Collection for Research

by

Dr. T. R. Borse
University Librarian

Central Library, North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon

Methods of Data Collection for Research Introduction


Data
Primary
Secondary
Information Knowledge

Information
Empirical Practice Experience Conceptual Historical Knowledge Result oriented information Tacit Explicit

Data

Methods of Data Collection


The Following Methods of Data Collection are

A) Questionnaire Method B) Interview Method C) Observation Method D) Other Documentary Sources for Data Collection

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

A) Questionnaire Method
Consists of No. of Questions Used by researchers Used by Govt. organization Used by private big organizations

Questionnaire always being mailed for large area Questionnaire also being filled in at interview Aspects of Questionnaire
Structured Questions to have control Yes or No Platform for answer Extensive Questionnaire = Questions and sub-questions Sequence of Questions Wording of Questions understandable

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

Features of Good Questionnaire Simple Concrete in asking Understandable Period of asked information minimum Multiple choice questions

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

Merits and Demerits of Questionnaire A) Merits


Cost effective Free from bias of interview Response is possible Free environment for filling

B) Demerits
Reluctancy Time consuming from Respondent Only educated person answers Delay in receiving Mortality No guarantee respondent is representative

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

B) Interview Method
a) Aspects of Interview
Verbal information Reply for asked Questions Personal information Schedule for interview

b) Types of Interview
Structured Questions Non-structured Questions its a skill of interviewer Focused Interview Particular information Telephonic interview

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

Merits and Demerits of Interview


a) Merits of Interview
Deep information is obtained Empirical information is elicited Flexible for information Responsive Interviewer controls the situation while asking Interviewer can observe reactions Additional information is possible

b) Demerits of Interview
Expensive No cost effective Reluctancy of interviewee Biased and false information may lead High level persons are not easily interviewed-Time consuming Proper rapport is required before interview

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

C) Observation Method
Aspects of Observation Method
Useful for behavioral studies Depends on investigators direction Information about currently happenings Method relates with attitudes-being observed and observer

Types of observation
Structured/Controlled conditions observation Unstructured /Uncontrolled observation - observation of Natural conditions Participative observation Non-Participative observation

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

C) Observation Method. Requirements for observations


Categorization of thing/lives being observed Detailed field notes Photographs- to have more impressions Recordings- if voice/sound heard/observed Use of sociometric scales-if necessary

Characteristics / Features of observation


Physical and mental activity Selective in nature Purposive activity Eventual data collection

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

Merits and Demerits of observation


a) Merits of observation
Direct study of events/behavior Description is possible of observed phenomena Best for social/behavioral sciences Easy to conduct the observations

b) Demerits of observation
No use for past events happened No use for opinions and attitudes inner mind No use for the researchers convenience for behavioral research Long distance field observation leads cost to attend

Methods of Data CollectionContinue

D) Other Documentary Sources for Data Collection


Publications- Reports, Articles, Books, Directories, Almanacs, Encyclopedias, Diaries Brochures: Manuals: Pamphlets:

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