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Lesson 3 Choosing Data Collection Techniques

1. The document discusses different techniques for collecting data: surveys, observational studies, and experiments. It explains that experiments allow the most control over variables but are also the most restrictive, while surveys are easy to administer but introduce more potential for bias. 2. Observational studies and surveys can gather information on many variables but require careful planning and protocols to avoid introducing bias. Experiments are best for reaching valid conclusions by controlling variables but are more limited in scope. 3. A good data collection plan identifies the population, variables, type of data collection (observational or experimental), use of control groups, sampling technique, and method for collecting variable data.

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ROSE ANN SAGUROT
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36 views2 pages

Lesson 3 Choosing Data Collection Techniques

1. The document discusses different techniques for collecting data: surveys, observational studies, and experiments. It explains that experiments allow the most control over variables but are also the most restrictive, while surveys are easy to administer but introduce more potential for bias. 2. Observational studies and surveys can gather information on many variables but require careful planning and protocols to avoid introducing bias. Experiments are best for reaching valid conclusions by controlling variables but are more limited in scope. 3. A good data collection plan identifies the population, variables, type of data collection (observational or experimental), use of control groups, sampling technique, and method for collecting variable data.

Uploaded by

ROSE ANN SAGUROT
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHAPTER 1 - OBTAINING DATA

LESSON 3 - CHOOSING DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students should:
1. Discuss the important features of a data collection plan;
2. Explain the importance of every data collection method or technique for gathering data; and
3. Differentiate the survey, experiment, and observational study.

Introduction
Data can be collected in a variety of ways. One of the most common methods is through the use
of surveys. We have briefly discussed three common techniques for gathering data: observational studies,
experiments, and surveys. Which techniques is best? The answer depends on the number of variables of
interest and level of confidence needed regarding statements of relationships among the variables.

Lesson Proper
✓ Survey may be the best choice for gathering information across a wide range of many variables. Many
questions can be included in a survey. However, great care must be taken in the construction of the
survey instrument and in the administration of the survey. Nonresponse and other issues discussed
earlier can be introduce bias.

✓ Observational studies are the next most convenient technique for gathering information on many
variables. Protocols for taking measurements or recording observations need to be specified carefully.

✓ Experiments are the most stringent and restrictive data gathering technique. They can be time-
consuming, expensive, and difficult to administer. In experiments, the goal is often to study the effects
of changing only one variable at a time. Because of the requirements, the number of the variables
may be more limited. Experiments must be designed carefully to ensure that the resulting data are
relevant to the research questions.

Comment
An experiment is the best technique for reaching valid conclusions. By carefully controlling for other
variables, the effect of changing one variable in a treatment group and comparing it to a control group
yields results carrying high confidence.

The next most effective technique for obtaining results that have high confidence is the use of
observational studies. Care must be taken that the act of observation does not change the behavior being
measured or observed.

The least effective technique for drawing conclusions is the survey. Surveys have many pitfalls and by
their nature cannot give exceedingly precise results. A medical study utilizing a survey asking patients if
they feel better after taking a specific drug gives some information, but not precise information about
the drug’s effects. However, surveys are widely used to gauge attitudes, gather demographic information,
study social and political trends, and so on.

Important Features of a Data Collection Plan


A data collection plan identifies
• The population
• The variable or variables
• Whether the data are observational or experimental
• Whether there is a control group, use of placebos, double-blind treatment, etc.
• The sampling technique to be used, including whether a block design is to be used
• The method used to collect the data for the variables: survey, method of measurement, count,
etc.

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