Selecting a Method of Data Collectionpa Mental

The distinction is mainly due to the restrictions imposed on flexibility, structure, sequential order, depth and freedom that a researcher has in their use during the research process.

You can answers for example:

What philosophical epistemology is underpinning your approach to research enquiry?

Were the questions or issues discussed during data collection predetermined or developed during data collection?

How was the information you gathered recorded?

Collecting data using primary sources Several methods can be used to collect primary data.

Whatever method of data collection is used, make sure that respondents clearly understand the purpose and relevance of the study

There are two types of observation:

1. participant observation;
2. non-participant observation.

1. Participant observation is when you, as a researcher, participate in the activities of the group being observed in the same manner as its members.

2. Non-participant observation, on the other hand, is when you, as a researcher, do not get involved in the activities of the group but remain a passive observer, watching and listening to its activities and drawing conclusions from this.

The selection of a method of recording depends upon the purpose of the observation.

• Narrative recording – In this form of recording the researcher records a description of the interaction in his/her own words.

• Using scales – At times some observers may prefer to develop a scale in order to rate various aspects of the interaction or phenomenon.

• Categorical recording – Sometimes an observer may decide to record his/her observation using categories.

• Recording on electronic devices – Observation can also be recorded on videotape or other electronic devices and then analysed.

Is a written list of questions, the answers to which are recorded by respondents.

The form and wording of questions used in an interview or a questionnaire are extremely important in a research instrument as they have an effect on the type and quality of information obtained from a respondent.

The order of questions in a questionnaire or in an interview schedule is important as it affects the quality of information, and the interest and even willingness of a respondent to participate in a study.

To draw a clear distinction between quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection is both difficult and inappropriate because of the overlap between them.

There are three main methods of data collection in qualitative research:
1. unstructured interviews;
2. participant observation;
3. secondary sources.

The only difference between a focus group interview and an in-depth interview is that the former is undertaken with a group and the latter with an individual.

Oral histories, like narratives, involve the use of both passive and active listening. Oral histories, however, are more commonly used for learning about a historical event or episode that took place in the past or for gaining information about a cultural, custom or story that has been passed from generation to generation.

Is one way to collect primary data. Observation is a purposeful, systematic and selective way of watching and listening to an interaction or phenomenon as it takes place.

For Example:

When you want to learn about the interaction in a group, study the dietary patterns of a population, ascertain the functions performed by a worker, or study the behaviour or personality traits of an individual.

It is also appropriate in situations where full and/or accurate information cannot be elicited by questioning

Observations can be made under two conditions:

1. natural;
2. controlled.

Is a commonly used method of collecting information from people. In many walks of life we collect information through different forms of interaction with others. There are many definitions of interviews.

Unstructured Interviews

The strength of unstructured interviews is the almost complete freedom they provide in terms of content and structure.

Structured interviews

In a structured interview the researcher asks a predetermined set of questions, using the same wording and order of questions as specified in the interview schedule.

The choice between a questionnaire and an interview schedule is important and should be considered thoroughly as the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods can affect the validity of the findings.

The nature of the investigation

If the study is about issues that respondents may feel reluctant to discuss with an investigator, a questionnaire may be the better choice as it ensures anonymity.

The geographical distribution of the study population

If potential respondents are scattered over a wide geographical area, you have no choice but to use a questionnaire.

The type of study population

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If the study population is illiterate, very young or very old, or handicapped, there may be no option but to interview respondents.

The wording and tone of your questions are important because the information and its quality largely depend upon these factors. It is therefore important to be careful about the way you formulate questions.

Always use simple and everyday language

Your respondents may not be highly educated, and even if they are they still may not know some of the ‘simple’ technical jargon that you are used to.

Do not use ambiguous questions

An ambiguous question is one that contains more than one meaning and that can be interpreted differently by different respondents.

Do not ask double-barrelled questions

The main problem with this type of question is that one does not know which particular question a respondent has answered.

Do not ask leading questions

Leading question is one which, by its contents, structure or wording, leads a respondent to answer in a certain direction.

Do not ask questions that are based on presumptions

In such questions the researcher assumes that respondents fit into a particular category and seeks information based upon that assumption.

Having constructed your research instrument, whether an interview schedule or a questionnaire, it is important that you test it out before using it for actual data collection.

The theoretical roots of in-depth interviewing are in what is known as the interpretive tradition. According to Taylor and Bogdan, in-depth interviewing is ‘repeated face-to-face encounters between the researcher and informants directed towards understanding informants’ perspectives on their lives, experiences, or situations as expressed in their own words’

The narrative technique of gathering information has even less structure than the focus group. Narratives have almost no predetermined contents except that the researcher seeks to hear a person’s retelling of an incident or happening in his/her life.