Data Collection Methods

Middle ground between observation and experimentation

Observed situations are recorded

Absence of which the participant is questioned

Main characteristics

Mass application

Large data set

Subjective aspects

Strengths

Cost effectiveness

Generalizability

Reliability

Versatility

Challenges

Clear structure of the questions

Start with closed-ended questions and end with open-ended questions

Avoid bias

Easwaramoorthy, Zarinpoush and Canada (2016): "An interview is a conversation for gathering information"

Main characteristics

Structured, semi-structured or unstructured

Involves

Interviewer

Interviewee

Analysis of complex questions and considerable probing

Strengths

Versatile

Face-to-face

Telephone

Digital tool

Suitable

Opinions

Thoughts

Experiences

Feelings

Controlled response order

Challenges

Ineffective

Population is unwilling to answer

Responses cannot be generalized

Subconscious bias

Never 100% anonymous

Time consuming

Systematic process

Directly observing and documenting

Behaviors, events, or phenomena

Main characteristics

Non-intrusive

External observation

Contextual

Contextual information

Qualitative and/or quantitative

Qualitative aspects & Quantitative data

Time-bound

Specific time periods

Strengths

Rich and detailed data

High ecological validity

Flexibility

Triangulation

Challenges

Observer bias

Limited generalizability

Time-consuming

Ethical considerations