DATA COLLECTION

Everybody collects, interprets and uses information,

much of it in numerical or statistical forms in day-today
life. It is a common practice that people receive
large quantities of information everyday through
conversations, televisions, computers, the radios,
newspapers, posters, notices and instructions. It is
just because there is so much information available
that people need to be able to absorb, select and
reject it. In everyday life, in business and industry,
certain statistical information is necessary and it is
independent to know where to find it how to collect it.
Data collection is the process of gathering and
measuring information on variables of interest, in an
established systematic fashion that enables one to
answer stated research questions, test hypotheses,
and evaluate outcomes.
Without proper planning for data collection, a
number of problems can occur. If the data collection
steps and processes are not properly planned, the
research project can ultimately end up with a data
set that does not serve the purpose for which it was
intended. For example, if more than one person is
involved in the data collection, but data collectors do
not follow consistent data collection practices, they
can end up with data with different units, collection
processes, and variable names.
Consequences from Improperly Collected Data
• Inability to answer research questions accurately.
• Inability to repeat and validate the study.
• Distorted findings resulting in wasted resources.
• Misleading other researchers to pursue fruitless
avenues of investigation.
• Compromising decisions for public policy.
• Causing harm to human participants and animal
Subject

Steps in Data Gathering

1. Set the objectives for collecting data
2. Determine the data needed based on the
set objectives.
3. Determine the method to be used in data
gathering and define the comprehensive
data collection points.
4. Design data gathering forms to be used.
5. Collect data.
SOURCES OF DATA
Whether conducting research in the social
sciences, humanities arts, or natural sciences,
the ability to distinguish between primary and
secondary sources is essential.
Primary Sources - Provide a first-hand
account of an event or time period and are
considered to be authoritative. They
represent original thinking, reports on
discoveries or events, or they can share new
information. Often these sources are created
at the time the events occurred but they can
also include sources that are created later.
They are usually the first formal appearance
of original research.
Secondary Sources - offer an analysis,
interpretation or a restatement of primary
sources and are considered to be
persuasive.Theyofteninvolve
generalisation, synthesis, interpretation,
commentary or evaluation in an attempt to
convince the reader of the creator's
argument. They often attempt to describe or
explain primary sources.
The primary data can be collected by the
following five methods:
1. Direct personal interviews - The
researcher has direct contact with the
interviewee. The researcher gather s
information by asking questions to the
interviewee.
2. Indirect/Questionnaire Method - This
methods of data collection involve sourcing
and accessing existing data that were
originally collected for the purpose of the study.
Key Design Principles of a Good
Questionnaire
1. Keep the questionnaire as short as possible.
2. Decide on the type of questionnaire (Open
Ended or Closed Ended).
3. Write the questions properly.
4. Order the questions appropriately.
5. Avoid questions that prompt or motivate the
respondent to say what you would like to hear.
6. Write an introductory letter or an
introduction.
7. Write special instructions for interviewers or
respondents.
8. Translate the questions if necessary.
9. Always test your questions before taking the
survey. (Pre-test)
An open-ended question is a type of question
that does not include response categories.
This type of question is usually appropriate for
collecting subjective data.
A closed-ended question is a type of
question that includes a list of response
categories from which the respondent will
select his answer. This type of question is
usually appropriate for collecting objective