PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 - Data Collection Procedure

Summary

This video lesson focuses on data collection procedures in quantitative research. It covers various data collection methods, such as structured interviews, questionnaires, observation, and tests. The script explains how to gather data from primary and secondary sources, offering insights into different techniques like face-to-face and telephone interviews, as well as paper-pencil and web-based surveys. The lesson also provides a sample data collection procedure for a study on student satisfaction with a product. Key points include the importance of research instrument validation, step-by-step data gathering, and the need for careful consideration of research goals and methods.

Takeaways

• 😀 Data collection is a crucial process in quantitative research that involves gathering information from target sources to gain first-hand knowledge and insights.
• 😀 The research aim must be clearly defined before data collection begins, outlining what the researcher wants to achieve and why it matters.
• 😀 Data sources can be primary (e.g., experimental results, surveys, interviews) or secondary (e.g., books, reports, online articles).
• 😀 Structured interviews are a common method for collecting data in quantitative research, with face-to-face interviews being the most frequently used type.
• 😀 Advantages of face-to-face interviews include high response rates and the ability to clarify ambiguous answers, but they are time-consuming and costly.
• 😀 Telephone interviews are more cost-effective and less time-consuming but generally have a lower response rate compared to face-to-face interviews.
• 😀 Computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) allow for faster data entry and analysis but require expensive setup and specialized equipment.
• 😀 Questionnaires or surveys are another method, and they are typically divided into sections, including respondents' data, study purpose, directions, and questions.
• 😀 Paper-pencil questionnaires are traditional but less expensive and allow for anonymity, although there is a risk that some respondents may not return them.
• 😀 Web-based questionnaires provide faster responses, but their accuracy may be uncertain, and they exclude people without internet access.
• 😀 Structured observation allows data collection through watching behavior or noting physical characteristics in natural settings, but it can be time-consuming and requires careful observation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson discussed in the transcript?

The main focus of the lesson is on the data collection procedures in quantitative research, covering methods, sources, and factors to consider when collecting data.

Why is data collection important in quantitative research?

Data collection is important in quantitative research because it allows researchers to gather first-hand information and original insights that help in addressing the research problem.

What are the key factors to consider before collecting data in research?

Before collecting data, researchers should consider the aim of the research, the type of data to be collected, and the methods and procedures for collecting, storing, and processing the data.

What are the differences between primary and secondary sources of data?

Primary sources provide raw data directly from the original source, such as surveys or experiments. Secondary sources involve data that has already been collected and published by others, like books, journals, or articles.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face interviews?

Advantages of face-to-face interviews include establishing rapport, clarifying responses, and a high response rate. Disadvantages include being time-consuming and expensive, making it impractical for large sample sizes.

What is a computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI), and what are its pros and cons?

CAPI is a type of personal interview where the researcher uses a laptop to input respondents' answers directly into a database. Its advantages include saving time and eliminating the need for paper questionnaires. However, it is expensive to set up and requires the interviewer to have a laptop.

What are the different types of questionnaires mentioned in the transcript?

The types of questionnaires include paper-pencil questionnaires, web-based questionnaires, and mail questionnaires. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as anonymity, speed of collection, and return rates.

What is the structured observation method, and how does it differ from other methods?

Structured observation involves observing and recording behaviors in natural settings. It differs from interviews and surveys as it focuses on the actual behavior of subjects rather than verbal responses. It can be overt (subjects know they are being observed) or covert (subjects do not know).

What is the significance of using tests in data collection?

Tests are significant because they provide a way to assess subjects' knowledge or their ability to apply knowledge in new situations, helping researchers to evaluate performance against standards, such as in proficiency or entrance exams.

How should a data collection procedure be structured according to the example given in the lesson?

A data collection procedure should follow a clear, step-by-step process: designing and validating a survey instrument, seeking approval from relevant authorities, distributing the survey to participants, and collecting the data. In the example, the researchers used a Likert scale for the survey and included both primary and secondary data sources.