Data Collection 1

Gather data in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Both can go

together, with a similar methodology at times, but they use different data. What method

works best depends what you are studying, how much data you need, and how much

detail is necessary.

Quantitative Research: Reveals code data to numerical values with lots of data for

efficient collection. Asks a quantitative-survey question such as "On a scale of 1 to

10, how happy are you in your relationship?" Asks a question with the person

taking the survey, assigning a numerical value to the research study (happiness in

relationships). Surveys and interviews are the primary methods of quantitative data

collection.

Qualitative Research: Takes longer to conduct, because the data collection has an

open end, and may not relate directly to a numerical value. Asks a qualitative-

survey question such as "How do you feel about your current relationship?" Lacks

reference to a numerical scale. Observations, surveys, and interviews are the usual

methods for qualitative data collection.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Although asking similar questions and using similar

data collection methods in both approaches, the crucial difference is the type of

data. Quantitative is quicker and cheaper with generalizations. Qualitative has

more details for responses. Qualitative data are difficult to collect because people

do not always spend the necessary time for question responses. Quantitative and

qualitative are mixable for efficient data collection.

Research Design: Realize what type of important data you need. If you need

details (qualitative data) or generalizations (quantitative data), the subject (or

Data Collection 2

datum) guides the research designs, the survey-question words, the durations, and

the expenses.