Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Methods of Data Collection
Methods of Data Collection
collection
Course Instructor:
Prof. A. K. Singh
Dept. of Exten. Education
IAS, BHU
Edu.
Submitted by:
Dilip Kumar Dash
M. Sc. (Previous)
Dept. of Exten.
IAS, BHU
CONTENT
Introduction
INTRODUCTION:
Data are special type of information,
generally obtained through observation,
surveys, enquiries, or are generated as a
result of human activity.
Primary Data are collected afresh & for
the first time, specially for the designated
study.
Secondary Data have already been
collected & compiled by someone else.
Observation Method:
This method can used in both experimental and non
experimental, social and anthropological research. Scientific
observation is a methodical way of recognizing and noting a
fact or occurrence, often involving some sort of
measurement. Scientific observation should be specific, and
recorded immediately.
Types of Observation:
Structured and unstructured observation:
Participant, quasi-participant and non-participant obs :
Controlled and non-controlled observation:
Structured
When
the observationobservation:
is characterized by a careful
definition of the units to be observed, the manner of
recording the observed information, standardized condition
of observation and the selection of pertinent data of
observation is called as structured observation.
Greater control of sampling.
Measurement of error.
Permits stronger generalizations and checks on reliability
and validity.
Unstructured Observation:
Early phase of the research
May become specific to when and where to observe,
what specific aspects of the setting or behavior to
observe, and how to make and record observations.
o How to do unstructured observation
i. Take a notebook and pen.
ii.Note down when you see something interesting.
iii.Write down theories as you form them.
iv.Dont jump to conclusions straight away.
v.Look for more evidence.
vi.Ask people to confirm things.
Participant observation:
This depend on degree of involvement of the
researcher, the researcher who may be an
outsider, while observing the group, also play
the role of a group member.
Observer participates actively, for an extended
period of time.
May require observer to live or work in that area
Assumes that observer will become accepted
member of the group or community.
Historically field research has been associated
most strongly with participant observation.
Quasi-participant observation:
In the absence of any standard set of
relationship or role patterns for the outsider
who is always present and never participating,
both the group and the outsider are likely to feel
uncomfortable.
In this the observer assumes several role.
Sometimes he is a participant, at other times he
is in the role of an interviewer, a stranger or a
listener.
Nevertheless, he makes clear to the group that
his purpose is to gather facts.
Non-participant observation:
In non participant observation, the
researcher observe the group or
community. While maintaining physical
and psychological isolation from them.
Observer is an eavesdropper. Someone
who attempts to observe people without
interacting with them
without their
knowledge that they are being observed.
Used most routinely by psychologists
studying children and animals.
Controlled observation:
When observation take place according to a
definite
pre-arranged
plan,
involving
experimental procedure.
The observers bias is the crucial weakness.
Various techniques can be used to remove this
bias such as interaction-analysis techniques,
simple testing, scoring devices etc.
Controlled observations may be carried out
both in natural and contrived situations and in
either case those observed may or may not be
aware of the observation.
Non-controlled observation:
When the researcher observes the behavior
and activities of a group under natural condition
without any stimulation from outside.
The observer can easily check the correctness
of his information as often as desired.
Since the period of participation continues for
months, the range of material collected is much
wider than collected by any other method.
An unobtrusive participant observer secures
access to many new variables and processes.
Interview method:
The data is collected by presenting stimuli to the respondents in the form of
questions for eliciting appropriate responses from them.
1. Unstructured interview
a method of interviews where questions can be changed to meet the
respondents intelligence, understanding...
2. Structured interview
The interviewer has a standard set / sequence of questions that are asked of all
candidates.
Interviewers read the questions exactly as they appear on the survey
questionnaire.
3-Focussed interview:
some specific issue, occurrence, experience or event is taken into
consideration, instead of general aspect of the situation manageable number.
4. Behavioral interview
In behavioral interviews, candidates are asked to explain
their skills, experience, activities etc. as examples of your
past behavior.
5. Stress interview
The stress interview is designed to find applicants who can
handle stress, and handle it well.
6. Situational interview
Utilizes hypothetical events in the form of a question.
Candidates are asked how they would react if they
encountered that event.
7. Phone interview
Is a method which is conducted by telephone.
Advantages:
1: More likelihood of getting response.
2: More accurate.
3: Can get responses even from illiterate persons.
4: Can get some spontaneous responses.
5: The questions may be explained when
necessary.
Limitations:
1: Not suitable for a large no respondent.
2: Not suitable for large geographical area.
3: Involves more time and cost.
4: Bias of interviewer may creep in.
Advantages:
1: Depends our perception.
2: Give clear insight into life.
3: Makes possible study of social change.
4: Represent a real record of personal experiences.
5: Help in the construction of interview schedule.
questionnaire & formulation of hypothesis.
6: Enhance the experiences of researcher.
Limitations:
1: One case is almost different from other.
2: Affected by personal bias,ability and judgement.
3: Can use only in a limited sphere.
4: More expenditure of time and money.
Projective Techniques:
Forms:
Word association test.
Sentence completion test.
Story completion test.
Error choice & information test.
Pictorial technique.
Role play technique.
Rorschach ink blot test.
Thematic appreciation test.
Sociometery:
Conclusion:
In the design and conduct of a socio-economic
investigation, emphasis should be placed on
assuring data quality. Deficiencies in primary
data, can not be compensated by any amount
of sophistication in sampling and analysis of
data.
References:
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_collection
www.sociologyguide.com/research-methods &
statistics/observation.php
Ghosh, B. N. (1991) Scientific Methods And Social
Research, Srerling Publishing Pvt. Ltd. , New Delhi.
Kothari, C. R. (2001) Research MethodologyMethods and Techniques, Wiley Eastern Ltd., New
Delhi.
Daivadeenam, P. (2002) Research Methodology in
Extension Education, Agrotech Publishing Academy,
Udaipur
Any Questions