Data collection methods

There are various methods which can be used to collect primary some of them are described
below:

1. Observation
In observation observer goes to field to collect data by observing. This method is subjective and
requires observer to add their view on collected data. There are two main types of observation
they are:

I. Structured Observation
II. Unstructured Observation

Advantages of Observation

 Data can be collected on current information.

 Data can be collected without interacting verbally.

Disadvantages of Observation

 Lack of control.
 Collected data is difficult to quantify.
 It is cost and time consuming.

2. Interview
Interview is a verbal method of collecting data where interviewer ask a person or a group some
questions and records their response. Some types of interviews are:

I. Personal Interview
II. Telephonic Interview
III. Group Interview
IV. Sequential Interview

Advantages of Interview

 Provides flexibility to interviewer.

 It provides control of data and information.
  Reaching large number of people is possible.
 Both quantitative and qualitative data can be collected.

Disadvantages of Interview

 It is time and cost consuming.

 Interviews can cause biases.
 Limit in sample size.

3. Questionnaire
In this method questionnaires are sent to respondents who have knowledge about the
questionnaires via various media and their response are recorded.

Advantages of Questionnaires

 They are cost effective.

 Data are not biased.
 Questions offers a quick way to get answer.
 Easy to analyze and visualize.

Disadvantages of Questionnaires

 This method is Inflexible.

 Some questions are left unanswered.
 It requires respondent with knowledge about topic.

4. Focus group
This method is a collection of interview, questionnaire and observation. In this method includes a
group of people which have something in common which are shown a presentation and then
asked to discuss the topic. They are then interviewed or surveyed and data is collected.

Advantage of Focus group

 Time efficient.
 Results can be easily understood.
 Information can be gathered from non-verbal responses.
Disadvantage of Focus group

 It is expensive.
 Sample size is small.
 Group discussion can be hard to control.