(10) PDC Using Survey Instruments
The Nature
active vs. passive data collection
active data collection involves questioning subjects in personal or nonpersonal means
passive data collection involves observing subjects in personal or nonpersonal means
qualitative vs. quantitative research
qual. ~ can't meaningfully be quantified
quan. ~ results can be quantified numerically or statistically
degree of disguise
is the purpose of the study know to the participant?
degree of structure
how much is the study formalized?
method of collection
how is the data obtained from the participants?
Active PDC Using Survey Instruments
Offline Methods
Personal interviewing
nonresponse errors
response errors
interview variability
question structure and sequence
method od administration
respondent error
planning the interview
monitoring
cheating
access
trust/ goodwill
expertise of the interviewer
motivation
telephone interviewing
best used for structured and undesguised studies
Pros:
cost effective
quick
Cons:
not everyone have telephones
technology trends
call screening
mail interviewing
Pros:
low cost
respondant anonymity, confidentiality, convenience to the respondant
Cons:
low response rates
computerized interviewing
Online Methods
Internet-based survey methods and focus groups
Pros:
easy to administer
interactive
timely
low in cost
E-mail surveys
Pros ~ easy to reach a large number of participants
Cons ~ too simple
HTML form surveys
Pros ~ very flexible, can include graphics and sound, build skip logic into the questionnaire, and can randomize answers
Cons ~ long programming and setup time
Downloadable interactive surveys
Pros ~ it's a sophisticated survey
Cons ~ long programming time and respondants may be reluctant to open (may contain virus)
A comparison of Collection Methods
"No one data collection is the best for all situations"
evaluate:
data needs
time and cost contraints
The Feel Good Store (project)
primary data collection would be crucial for our project
we could definitely use online and offline methods
ie. personal interviewing and email surveys to students at the university
vendors will be internal, i.e. my partner and I
Panel Vendors
Panel
respondants that get measured repeatedly
true panel vs. ominbus panel
diary
PDC Vendors
Who will design and manage the research process?
internal vs. external
confidentiality
expertise
objectivity
resources