QUANTITATIVE DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES/METHODS

(Commonly used for Science Investigatory Projects)

Ⅰ.INTRODUCTION

Research is carried out in different ways and for different purposes. Based on the type of
data, Research is categorized into 2, these are: Quantitative and Qualitative. Quantitative means
is generally involves collecting numerical data while Qualitative deals with description of
characteristic. Most Science Investigatory Project are Quantitative because students are
encouraged to do experimental research.
The general objective behind data collection is to obtain quality evidence that will lead
to convincing and credible answers to the question that have been posed. This is why it is critical
to know which data collection technique is most appropriate for your research topic so that you
will be able to choose the right data collection tool to gather quality evidence.
This learning activiy sheet aims to describe the different data collection techniques for
quantitative studies and to clarify the difference between data collection technique and data
collection tools.

Ⅱ.MELC(with code)

Describe the different data collection techniques in Quantitative Research

Data Collection Technique or Methods

There is a specific data collection technique for every idea that you can think of for your
research topic.
For this lesson, we will focus on four technique which are the most applicable to Science
Investigatory Projects. These methods are: observation, experiment, simulation, and survey.

1.Observation

Data collection by observation is the technique used if the researcher needs to measure
and and observe the variables of interest without changing esxisting condition. Observation can
be overt (known to subject) or covert (not known to subject).
 This does not mean you would simply use your senses and record. Standard data
collection tools are used in order to obtain quality data. Some tools for observation are
Observation Checklists, Focus Groups, Case studies, Charts, Audio/video recording and many
more.
Here are some examples where Observation technique can be used in SIP especially
under Life and Physical science categories:
● Observing certain animal behavior in their natural habitat
●Effects of specific drug to certain patients (who regularly take the medicstion)
● Observe chemical reaction and their byproducts
● Movement and brightness of object in the sky

2. Experiments
In this technique, the researcher needs to assign a treatment and observe the response.
Sometimes a control group and or a placebo may be used to compare the effectiveness of a
treatment.
The most common tools here are : experimental design, hypothesis testing and the
statistical tools to be used for analysis.Experimental Research Design are;

● Pre-experimental (experimental but there is no control group);

● Quasi-experimental (no ramdomization of samples, sometimes no equivalent control
group design);and
● true-experimental (complete variables and control with random distribution of
samples and is focused to prove or disprove the hypothesis).

3. Simulation
This technique uses mathematical models, physical or computer models to replicate
the condition of a process or situation. Simulation are frequently used when the actual situation is
too expensive, too dangerous or simply impractical to replicate in real life.
The common tools for simulation are software programs or computer models, and
input data.
It is highly considerable to use this technique in Robotics category for example;

● Artificial Intelligence based Rescue bots or chatbots;

● Android phone remote controlled robot; and
 ● Line following robots

It is also useful in Physical Science category especially studies like:

● possible impact of a severe earthquake in an urban area;
● flashflood scenario if a nearby major dam breaks; and
● a new mathematical formula or short-cut formula for solving math problem

4. Survey
Survey are used to investigate characteristic of a population. This target population can
be animals, human or plants.
For Life Sciences, Surveys are widely used for biodiversity studies. The most common
data collection tools are transect and transect sampling.
Example of research topics for these are:

● assessment of animal species diversity in specific habitat;

● tree species diversity and distribution patterns

For physical or social sciences, the tools for data collection are questionnaires,
interview, checklists, electronic capture and the likes. It is important to note that these tools must
be very carefully crafted and validated, they are not your regular self-made questionnaire or list.
Example research interests here are:
● Average household income of families in areas devastated by the series of
typhoon
● Feasibility of establishing medical school in Samar State University
 Data Collection Tools

Data collection technique or methods ar often confused with the data collection tools.
Remember that the data collection technique are standard validated techniques that you can
choose from according to what best fits your research topic. Because the technique is
standardized, you can make that the procedure of collecting and analyzing of data is valid. It will
also serve as guide as to how you will proceed with your research design.

Whereas, data collection tools refer to devices or instrument used to collect data.

It is important to note that quanttitative studies can generally be classified into two:
experimental and non experimental. Data collection tools for experimental researches are not
exclusive to experimental but can also be used in non-experimental and vice versa.