Inquiries, Investigation, and Immersion

Lesson 4: Understanding
Ways to Collect Data

Michelle Ann M. Martinez

Subject Teacher
 • Describe the data collection procedure of the
study.
Learning • Explore the data collection procedure.
Objectives
• Identify issues related to maintaining the
integrity of data collection.
•Data Collection Procedure: 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.
Interview - are used to collect data from a small
group of subjects on a broad range of topics. You
can use structured or unstructured interviews.
Structured interviews are comparable to a
questionnaire, with the same questions in the
same order for each subject and with multiple
choice answers
Questionnaire/Survey - is the main instrument
for collecting data in survey research. Basically, it
is a set of standardized questions, often called
items, which follow a fixe scheme in order to
collect individual data about one or more specific
Observation - is a qualitative research technique
where researchers observe participants' ongoing
behavior in a natural situation. Depending on the
type of observation research and the goal of the
study, the market researcher will have varying
levels of participation in the study.
 Collecting data is a necessary skill for any
individual. Data is used in a variety of situations,
such as writing up research reports in school,
finding a specific item or getting necessary
information for a job. Regardless of the reason
for the data, there are similar tools used to find
information and collect data.
Computer and Internet The Internet can collect a wide range of data in a
short period of time. A simple search through a search engine will result
in several websites that are useful for data collection. Though the
Internet has a large amount of information available, there are
weaknesses as well. The main weakness when looking for data on the
Internet is inaccurate information or inappropriate websites for the
necessary information. When looking for data online, finding legitimate
websites takes time. School websites and government websites are a
good source of accurate information. Depending on the necessary data,
organization websites are also legitimate.
 Surveys are an excellent data collection tool. These are
useful in businesses, mental health studies, school projects
or any other data collection that requires information from a
large number of people. Surveys ask specific questions that
are filled out by individuals. The answers provided in the
survey provide data about a variety of subject, such as
customer satisfaction about specific products or services.
Interviews are a data collection method that is used
to gain information about a specific subject.
Interviews are commonly given to experts in a
specific field, such as interviewing a psychologist
that specializes in children’s mental health when
collecting data about a childhood mental health
problem. Interviews are commonly used by news
reporters to gain first-hand information about a
specific story.
 Observation Data collection is not always about
asking questions or researching online, but also
about paying attention and observing as well. This
is first-hand data rather than second-hand data
from another source. Observation data collection
includes specific items that are measured, seen or
that others can reproduce.
• Books are a primary tool for data
collection. While old books might
have outdated information, even
old books are used for historical
studies or data collection. There
are books available about any
subject that ranges from
mythology to history to science
and math. The wide range of
subjects available in books allows
for finding data about any
specific subject. One of the main
weaknesses with collecting data
from a book is locating the
necessary data and time
constraints. Books are available
for free reading and researching
from libraries around the
country.
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. The data collection
component of research is common to all fields of
study including physical and social sciences,
humanities, business, etc. While methods vary by
discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and
honest collection remains the same.
The importance of
ensuring accurate
and appropriate
data collection
Learning Task 1: