“RESEARCH METHODS”

DATA
COLLECTION
METHODS

Kevin Lendel C. Ducao

 WHAT IS DATA?
 Data are facts, figures and other relevant materials,
past and
present, serving as bases for study and analysis.

 Data are observations or evidences about the social

world.
 Process of systematic
gathering of data for particular
purpose from various sources,
that has been systematically
observed, recorded and organized.

 It is the first step of statistical study.

DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Questionnaires
• A series of questions designed to elicit information,
which is filled in by all the participants in the sample.

• This can be gathered either by oral interview or

written questionnaire.

• This is the most common type of research instrument.

 ADVANTAGES
Relatively simple in obtaining
data.
Less time is consume.
Researcher is able to gather
data from a widely scattered
sample.
DISADVANTAGES
Responses to a questionnaire
lack depth.
Respondent may omit any item
he chooses.
Some items may force the
subject to select responses
that are not his actual choice.
Printing is costly especially if it
is lengthy
Some items may be
misunderstood.
Criteria of a Good Questionnaire

1. Clarity of Language
2. Singleness of Objective
3. One to one correspondence
4. Correct grammar, spelling and construction
Techniques for Developing Questionnaire

 Researchers may read literatures about the topic

 Open ended questions are preferable
 If yes-no questions are used; additional information may
be gained by leaving space for respondent’s own idea.
 Every item in the questionnaire should relate to the
topic under study.
Specific Types of Closed-ended Qs
a. Dichotomous Questions
ex. Have you been ligated?
_ Yes
_ No

b. Multiple Questions
ex. How is it preferable to you to become pregnant this time?
_ Very Favorable
_ Favorable
_ Not sure
_ Unfavorable
_ Very unfavorable
c. Cafeteria Questions
ex. People have different views of “Family Planning”,
which of the following best represents your views?
_ Family Planning is necessary to quality of life.
_ Family Planning is immoral and should be totally
banned.
_ Family Planning has undesirable side effects that
suggest need for caution.
_ Family Planning has beneficial effects that merit its
practice.
_ Family Planning is moral and should be practiced.
d. Rank-Order Questions
ex. Why must family planning be practiced? Rank your
answers from 1 -most reasonable to 5 -least reasonable?
_ Limits maternal disabilities
_ Gives parents more time to meet family needs
_ Helps maintain financial viability of the family
_ Afford more working hours for couples
_ Ensures family capability to educate all the
children in the future.
e. Rating Questions
ex. On the scale of 1 to 5 where 1 means strongly
disagree and 5 means strongly agree, the Health Center in
Barangay A provides the necessary services.
Scale
_5 - Strongly Agree
_4 - Agree
_3 - Uncertain
_2 - Disagree
_1 - Strongly Disagree
Interviews
• This involves either structured or unstructured verbal
communication between the researcher and the subject, during
which information is obtained for a study.
Methods of Interview:
 Face to face
 Telephone
 Mailed
 Computer Assisted
Types of Interview
1. Unstructured interview
- more conversational
- long sometimes
- conducted in usual situation
- this allows the researcher flexibility
2. Structured interview
- always operates within formal written instrument

- researcher designed the questions to be asked

- questions are asked orally
 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Data from interview are Time element
usable.
Depth of response can be Biases may result
assured.
In an exploratory study, the Costly
interview techniques provides
basis for formulation of
questionnaire
Clarification is possible
No items are overlooked
Focus Group Discussions
• Useful to further explore a topic, providing a broader
understanding of why target group may behave or think
in particular way.
• Assist in determining the reason for attitudes and
beliefs.
• Conducted with a small sample of target group.
• Used to stimulate discussion and gain greater insights.
 ADVANTAGES
Useful when exploring cultural
values and health benefits.
Can be used to explore
complex issues.
Can be used to develop
hypothesis for further research
Do not require participants to
be literate
DISADVANTAGES
Lack of privacy/anonymity
Potential for the risk of “group
think”
Potential by the group to be
dominated by one or two
people
Group leader needs to be
skilled
Time consuming
Observation
• Most commonly used in qualitative research.
Types of Observation
1. Unstructured
 a method of collecting research data that has both opponents
and proponents.
2. Structured
 preparation of record-keeping forms such as category,
systems, checklists and rating scales.
 researcher typically has some prior knowledge about the
behavior.
 ADVANTAGES
Produces large quantities of
data.
All data obtained from
observation are usable.
Relatively inexpensive
All subjects are potential
respondents
Observation may be recorded
all the time they occur
DISADVANTAGES
Accurate prediction of a
situation to be observed is
unlikely
Interviewing selected subjects
may provide more information,
economically, than waiting for
the spontaneous occurrence
Extensive training is needed
 THANK YOU!
STAY SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD DAY =)