Tools of data collection

data collection is the process of gathering, measuring, and analyzing accurate data from a variety of relevant
sources to find answers to research problems, answer questions, evaluate outcomes, and forecast trends and
probabilities. Accurate data collection is necessary to make informed business decisions, ensure quality
assurance, and keep research integrity.

During data collection, the researchers must identify the data types, the sources of data, and what methods
are being used.

Data collection tools

 Interviews: Interviews are probably the most common tool used in planning, monitoring and evaluation.
They can be carried out with one person at a time (individual interviews) or groups of people. They can be
administered formally or informally. They can be carried out face-to-face or through remote media such as
telephone and Skype. Interviews can also beconducted through written questions via letters or email.
Interviews may be structured, semi-structured or open-ended. Structured interviews are based around a core
set of questions that are always asked in the same order. Semi-structured interviews also contain a core set of
questions, but allow the interviewer to ask supplementary questions, or change the order in which questions
are asked.

Observation: At its most simple, observation involves ‘seeing’ things – such as objects, processes,
relationships, events – and formally recording the information. There are different types of observation.
Structured or direct observation is a process in which observations are recorded against an agreed checklist.
Expert observation is usually carried out by someone with specific expertise in an area of work, and involves
the expert observing and recording information on a subject. Observation may also be carried out as a
participatory exercise. Where this is the case the intended beneficiaries of a project or programme are
involved in planning an observation exercise, observing, and discussing findings.

Case studies: A case study is not a data collection tool in itself. It is a descriptive piece of work that can
provide in-depth information on a topic. It is often based on information acquired through one or more of
the other tools described in this paper, such as interviews or observation. Case studies are usually written,
but can also be presented as photographs, films or videos. Case studies often focus on people (individuals,
households, communities). But they can also focus on any other unit of analysis such as locations,
organisations, policies or the environment. Stories of change are similar to case studies. However, they have
a specific focus on change, and are only usually developed after a project or programme has started.

questionnaires: These are designed to collect and record information from many people, groups or
organisations in a consistent way. A questionnaire is a form containing questions. It may be a printed form
or one designed to be filled in online. Questionnaires may be administered in many different ways. A survey,
by contrast, is normally a large, formal exercise. It typically consists of three different aspects: an approved
sampling method designed to ensure the survey is representative of a wider population; a standard
questionnaire that ensures information is collected and recorded consistently; and a set of analysis methods
that allow results and findings to be generated.

Sample Method:

The sample method is a method in which data is collected about a sample on a group of items taken from
the population for examination, and conclusions are drawn from it. Large Sample Size: To use this
method of sampling, a large sample size is required because in case if the sample size is too small, then
this could give inaccurate and inefficient results. This method requires managing a small portion of overall
demographics.
Definition of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is used to gain an in-depth understanding of human behaviour, experience, attitudes, intentions,
and motivations, on the basis of observation and interpretation, to find out the way people think and feel. It is a form
of research in which the researcher gives more weight to the views of the participants. Case study, grounded
theory, ethnography, historical and phenomenology are the types of qualitative research.

Definition of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a form of research that relies on the methods of natural sciences, which produces numerical
data and hard facts. It aims at establishing cause and effect relationship between two variables by using mathematical,
computational and statistical methods. The research is also known as empirical research as it can be accurately and
precisely measured..

Key Differences Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research

The differences between qualitative and quantitative research are provided can be drawn clearly on the following
grounds:

1. Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that develops understanding on human and social sciences, to find
the way people think and feel. A scientific and empirical research method that is used to generate numerical
data, by employing statistical, logical and mathematical technique is called quantitative research.
2. Qualitative research is holistic in nature while quantitative research is particularistic.
3. The qualitative research follows a subjective approach as the researcher is intimately involved, whereas the
approach of quantitative research is objective, as the researcher is uninvolved and attempts to precise the
observations and analysis on the topic to answer the inquiry.
4. Qualitative research is exploratory. As opposed to quantitative research which is conclusive.
5. The reasoning used to synthesise data in qualitative research is inductive whereas in the case of quantitative
research the reasoning is deductive.
6. Qualitative research is based on purposive sampling, where a small sample size is selected with a view to get a
thorough understanding of the target concept. On the other hand, quantitative research relies on random
sampling; wherein a large representative sample is chosen in order to extrapolate the results to the whole
population.
7. Verbal data are collected in qualitative research. Conversely, in quantitative research measurable data is
gathered.
8. Inquiry in qualitative research is a process-oriented, which is not in the case of quantitative research.
9. Elements used in the analysis of qualitative research are words, pictures, and objects while that of quantitative
research is numerical data.
10. Qualitative Research is conducted with the aim of exploring and discovering ideas used in the ongoing
processes. As opposed to quantitative research the purpose is to examine cause and effect relationship
between variables
11.
12. Descriptive Research
13. In Descriptive Research Design, the scholar explains/describes the situation or case in depth in their research
materials. This type of research design is purely on a theoretical basis where the individual collects data,
analyses, prepares and then presents it in an understandable manner. It is the most generalised form of
research design. To explore one or more variables, a descriptive design might employ a wide range of research
approache

14. Experimental Research

15. Experimental research is a type of research design in which the study is carried out utilising a scientific
approach and two sets of variables. The first set serves as a constant against which the variations in the second
set are measured. Experimentation is used in quantitative research methodologies, for example. If you lack
sufficient evidence to back your conclusions, you must first establish the facts. Experimental research collects
data to assist you in making better judgments. Experimentation is used in any research undertaken in
scientifically appropriate settings. The effectiveness of experimental investigations is dependent on researchers
verifying that a variable change is due only to modification of the constant variable. The study should identify a
noticeable cause and effect.

16. Explanatory Research

17. Explanatory research is a method established to explore phenomena that have not before been researched or
adequately explained. Its primary goal is to notify us about where we may get a modest bit of information. With
this strategy, the researcher obtains a broad notion and uses research as a tool to direct them more quickly to
concerns that may be addressed in the future. Its purpose is to discover the why and what of a subject under
investigation.

18. Diagnostic Research

19. Diagnostic research design is a type of research design that tries to investigate the underlying cause of a certain
condition or phenomenon. It can assist you in learning more about the elements that contribute to certain
difficulties or challenges that your clients may be experiencing.