IT212.

Research Methods in Information Technology

Collection of Primary Data- Observation Method, Interview Method - Collection

of Data through Questionnaires - Collection of Data through Schedules
What is Data Collection?

➢ It is the process by which the researcher collects the

information needed to answer the research problem, test
the hypothesis and evaluate the outcomes (Dudovskiy, n.d.)
➢ A systematic method of collecting and measuring data
gathered from different sources of information in order to
provide answers to relevant questions. An accurate
evaluation of collected data can help researchers predict
future phenomenon and trends (Mbachu, 2018).
In collecting the data, the researcher
must decide:
➢ Which data to collect?
➢ How to collect the Data?
➢ Who will collect the Data?
➢ When to collect the Data?
➢ In what sources od data, demographic and geographical
location?
The selection of a method for collecting
information depends upon the:

➢ Nature, scope and object of inquiry (the most important factor affecting the
choice of a particular method) (Wisdom IT Services India Pvt. Ltd, n.d.)

➢ Resources availability (funds, obtainability, accessibility, existing means)

➢ Time Factor (availability of enough time)
➢ Credibility (reliability, integrity, precision required, timely relevance)
➢ Analysis and reporting (close examination and documenting results)

➢ The skill of the evaluator (expertise of the researcher or proponent)

Methods of Data Collection
➢ The system of data collection is based on the type of study
being conducted. Depending on the researcher’s research
plan and design (Mbachu, 2018).
Essentially Two Types:
➢Primary Data - are raw data i.e. fresh and are collected for the
first time (Mbachu, 2018) and are original in character.
➢Secondary Data - are data that were previously collected and
tested (Mbachu, 2018) by someone else and which have
through some statistical analysis.
Collection of Primary Data

Primary Data may be collected through:

➢ Observation Method
➢ Interview Method
➢ Questionnaires
➢ Schedules
➢ Experiments
➢ Surveys (sample surveys or census surveys)
1. OBSERVATION METHOD

➢ In this method, data from the field is collected

with the help of observation by the observer or by
personally going to the field (witnessing).
➢ “Observation may be defined as systematic
viewing, coupled with consideration of seen
phenomenon.” (Young, n.d.)
Steps For An Effective Observation

Determine what needs to be observed

Select participants
(Random/ Selected)

Conduct the observation

(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs)

Compile data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

Classifications of Observation 1:
➢Structured Observation - When characterized by a careful definition of the
units to be observed, the style of recording the observed information,
standardized conditions of observation and the selection of related
data of observation.
➢Unstructured Observation - When it takes place without the above
characteristics.
➢Participant Observation - When the observer is member of the group which
he is observing then it is Participant Observation.
➢Non-Participant Observation - When observer is observing people without
giving any information to them then it is Non-Participant Observation.
Classifications of Observation 2:
➢Controlled Observation - When observation takes place according
to prearranged plans, with experimental procedure then it is
controlled observation, generally done in laboratory under
controlled condition.
➢Uncontrolled Observation - When the observation takes place in
natural condition, which is done to get spontaneous picture of
life and persons.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages

➢ Produces Large quantities ➢ Interviewing selected subjects

of data. may provide more information,
➢ All data obtained from economically, than waiting for
observations are usable. the spontaneous occurance of the
situation.
➢ The observation technique
can be stopped or begun ➢ Boring and time consuming
at any time. ➢ Limited information.
➢ Relative Inexpensive ➢ Extensive training is needed.
2. INTERVIEW METHOD

➢ The Interview Method of collecting data involves

presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in
terms of oral- verbal responses.

➢ Interviewer asks questions (which are aimed to get

information required for study) to respondent.
Steps For An Effective Interview

Prepare interview schedule

Select subjects/ Key Respondent

Conduct the interview

Compile data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected from the

interview
Classifications of Interview 1:

➢Structured Interviews - In this case, a set of pre-decided questions

are there.
➢Unstructured Interviews - In this case, we don’t follow a system
of pre-determined questions.
➢Focused Interviews - Attention is focused on the given experience
of the respondent and its possible effects.
➢Clinical Interviews - Concerned with broad underlying feelings or
motivations or with the course of an individual’s life experience.
Classifications of Interview 2:

➢Group Interviews - a group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed.

➢Qualitative and quantitative Interviews - divided on the basis of
subject matter i.e., whether qualitative or quantitative.
➢Individual Interviews - Interviewer meets a single person and
interviews him.
➢Selection Interviews - Done for selection of people for certain
Jobs.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages

➢ More information at greater ➢ It is an expensive Method.

depth can be obtained.
➢ Interviewer bias
➢ Resistance may be overcome
➢ Respondent bias.
by a skilled interviewer.
➢ Time consuming.
➢ Personal information can be
obtained.
3. QUESTIONNAIRES

➢A Questionnaire can be sent (by post or by mail) to

the persons concerned with a request to answer
the questions and return the Questionnaire.

➢A Questionnaire consists of a number of

questions printed in a definite order on a form.
Steps For An Effective Questionnaire
Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)

Select your respondents

(Random/ Selected)

Administer the questionnaire

(date, venue, time)

Tabulate data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

Classifications of Questionnaire:
➢Open-ended questions - are questions that allow someone to give a free-
form answer (Farrell, 2016).
e.g.: How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with this process?

➢Close-ended or fixed alternative questions - This allows the

respondents to choose one of the given alternatives.
Types: Dichotomous questions – can be answered by Yes/No, True/False or
Agree/Disagree, e.g. Are you satisfied with the process?
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) – choose answer from A, B, C, or All of
the Above. (Farrell, 2016)
Essentials of Good Questionnaire
➢Should be short and simple
➢Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
➢Technical terms should be avoided
➢Should provide adequate space for answers in questionnaire
➢Directions regarding the filling of questionnaire should be
given Physical Appearance – Quality of paper, Color
➢Sequence must be clear
Advantages vs. Disadvantages

➢ Low cost – even when the universe ➢ This method is slow.

is large and is widespread.
➢ The respondents need to be
➢ Free from interviewer bias.
educated and cooperative
➢ Respondents have adequate time
to think through the answers. ➢ Possibility of unclear replies.
➢ Respondents who are not easily ➢ Time consuming.
approachable, can also be reached
conveniently.
➢ Large samples can be used.
4. SCHEDULES
➢ Very similar to Questionnaire method but used tools of data
collection in scientific investigation.
➢ The main difference is that a schedule is filled by the
enumerator (assigned interviewer) who is specially appointed for
the purpose.
➢ Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions
from the Questionnaire in the order listed, and records the
responses in the space provided.
➢ Enumerator must be trained in administering the schedule.
Questionnaire vs.
▪ Generally send to through
mail and no further assistance
from sender.
▪ Cheaper method.
▪ Non response is high
▪ More incomplete and wrong
information.
▪ Depends on the quality of
questionnaire
Schedule
▪ Schedule is filled by the
enumerator or research
worker.
▪ Costly requires field workers.
▪ Non response is low.
▪ Relatively more correct and
complete.
▪ Depends on Honesty of the
enumerator.
Six steps to success in Data Collection1

1. Identify issues and/or opportunities for collecting data

 Conduct an intensive internal and external assessment to understand
what is happening inside and outside of your organization
1.1. Conduct a review of all policies, practices and procedures applicable to all
stakeholders
1.2. Explore organizational culture from a human rights, diversity and equity-inclusion
lens (focus)
1.3. Assess external context (how the organization perceived from outside)
1.4. Check representation (note obvious gaps, disparities and trends)
Six steps to success in Data Collection2

2. Select issue(s) and/or opportunity(ies) and set goals

 Choose a priority issue(s) and/or opportunity(ies) for collecting
data, and then set your goals and objectives.

 Involve an organization brainstorming a smaller set of questions

that may be answered by collecting data.
2.1. Goal-setting – define specific goal(s) for each issue and/or opportunity,
which may depend on a hypothesis or guess about what is happening that
can be tested using data collection techniques and analysis.
Six steps to success in Data Collection3

3. Plan an approach and methods

 Make decisions about who are involved, how data will be
collected (quantitative and/or qualitative), the sources of
data used (interview, survey, observation etc.), and the
duration of the data collection project, its demographic and
geographical areas, group categories, duration or span, and
among other questions upon consultation with an expert.
Six steps to success in Data Collection4

4. Collect data
 be aware of the practical considerations and best practices for addressing
logistical challenges organizations often face at this stage of the process.
 Establish rapport with key stakeholders, in or outside of the organization
 Determine experts or trained employees and assign steering committee who can help
 Identify logistics, resources, and design a communication and consultation strategy
 Protect privacy and personal information by using carefully controlled procedures
 Be flexible for changes without great expense or inconvenience
 Consider test periods allowing you to improve and modify data collection
Six steps to success in Data Collection5

5. Analyze and interpret data

 involve analyzing and interpreting the data collected,
whether whatever method(s) of gathering data are
used.
 The analysis can be complex, or less so, depending on
the methods used and the amount of data collected,
which must represent entire respondents' population.
Six steps to success in Data Collection6

6. Act on results
 Once the results of the data collected are analyzed and
interpreted, decide to act on that data.
 Information (results’ summary, conclusion,
recommendation, progress, reports, etc.) can provide a
solid basis for creating an effective action plan
designed to achieve strategic paradigm.
References:
Dudovskiy, n.d., Data Collection Methods. Retrieved February 28, 2020, from https://research-
methodology.net/research-methods/data-collection/
Mbachu, 2018, Top 6 Methods of Data Collection – Explained!, Retrieved March 11, 2020, from
https://medium.com/@callygood/6-methods-of-data-collection-e946e993b930
Choudhury, n.d., 6 Methods to Collect Data for Your Market Research, Retrieved March 10, 2020, from
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/social-research/data-collection/top-6-methods-of-data-collection-
explained/64498
Farrell, 2016, Open-Ended vs. Closed-Ended Questions in User Research, Retrieved February 28, 2020, from
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/open-ended-questions/
Wisdom IT Services India Pvt. Ltd, n.d., SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE METHOD FOR DATA COLLECTION - Research
Methodology, Retrieved March 12, 2020, from https://www.wisdomjobs.com/e-university/research-methodology-
tutorial-355/selection-of-appropriate-method-for-data-collection-11495.html
Ontario Human Rights Commission, n.d., What is involved in collecting data – six steps to success, Retrieved March
15, 2020, from http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/count-me-collecting-human-rights-based-data

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