DATA COLLECTION

Summary

This video lesson covers the critical aspects of planning data collection procedures. It explains various methods such as questionnaires, observation, surveys (including sample and administrative), census, and tracer studies. The video emphasizes the importance of aligning data collection with research questions and provides insights into conducting surveys, like customer satisfaction or healthcare studies. Additionally, it touches on the use of interviews, offering tips on preparing interview guides and the considerations of using recorders. The lesson also delves into the creation and validation of questionnaires, highlighting the significance of psychometric validation, reliability, and objectivity in research.

Takeaways

• 📊 Data collection is the process of gathering information to answer research questions.
• 🔍 Observation is a data collection method used when respondents cannot answer the researcher's questions.
• 📊 Surveys can be conducted as sample surveys, administrative surveys, or census to estimate population characteristics.
• 🏢 Administrative surveys focus on an organization's day-to-day operations and record-keeping.
• 🌟 Census is an official count of a population with details of demographic, economic, and social data.
• 🔎 Tracer studies involve regular surveys with a sample of those surveyed within a specific time or period.
• 🗣️ Interviews are a type of data collection where researchers prepare an interview guide or schedule.
• 📝 Questionnaires can be standardized, which are pre-tested and validated, or researcher-made for specific studies.
• 🔍 Standardized questionnaires offer objectivity, quantification, and usability through statistical analysis and norms.
• ✅ Formulating good questions in a questionnaire involves being clear, specific, and avoiding leading or sensitive topics.

Q & A

What does the term 'data collection' refer to in the context of research?

Data collection refers to the process of gathering information, which is done after formulating questions to ensure that the collected data can answer the questions posed in the research problem statement.

What are the different methods of data collection mentioned in the script?

The script mentions several methods of data collection including questionnaires, observation, surveys (sample survey, administrative survey), census, and tracer studies.

In what situations is the observation method of data collection typically used?

The observation method is typically used in situations where respondents cannot answer the researcher's questions, or when the researcher needs to obtain information without direct interaction with the subjects.

What is a sample survey and how does it relate to customer satisfaction?

A sample survey is a method where data is collected from a sample of a population to estimate the attributes or characteristics of the entire population. It relates to customer satisfaction as it can be used to gauge the level of satisfaction among customers, for example, in a fast food service setting.

What is an administrative survey and what is its purpose?

An administrative survey is a survey conducted on an organization's day-to-day operations, often focusing on the functions of offices and organizations. Its purpose is to gather data related to the organization's internal processes and operations.

What is the purpose of a census in data collection?

A census is an official count of a population, conducted with detailed demographic, economic, and social data. Its purpose is to provide comprehensive information about the population, such as age, gender, education, marital status, occupation, religion, employment status, and housing.

Can you explain what tracer studies are and how they are conducted?

Tracer studies are a type of survey that involves regular follow-ups with a sample of individuals who were previously surveyed within a specific time or period. They are used to track changes or developments over time, such as health status or employment changes.

What is the difference between a standardized and a research-made questionnaire?

A standardized questionnaire is one that has undergone psychometric validation and has established norms, allowing for objective comparisons and quantification of responses. A research-made questionnaire, on the other hand, is created specifically for a particular study and may not have undergone the same level of validation or standardization.

Why is it important to avoid leading questions in a questionnaire?

Leading questions can influence the respondent's answers and bias the results. It is important to avoid them to ensure that the data collected is as unbiased and representative as possible.

What are some guidelines for formulating good questions in a questionnaire?

Good questionnaire questions should be clear, specific, and avoid using unfamiliar words. They should be mutually exclusive in multiple-choice categories, and personal or sensitive questions should be avoided unless necessary. Additionally, questions should be short and easy to answer.