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Step 4: Choose Your Data Collection Methods

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27 views11 pages

Step 4: Choose Your Data Collection Methods

Uploaded by

ꂅᏒꂅภ ᕱᏒᏕᎥภ
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Step 4: Choose your data collection methods

• Data collection methods are ways of directly measuring variables and


gathering information. They allow you to gain first-hand knowledge
and original insights into your research problem.

Survey methods
• Surveys allow you to collect data about opinions, behaviors,
experiences, and characteristics by asking people directly. There are
two main survey methods to choose from questionnaires and
interviews.
Questionnaires Interviews

•More common in quantitative •More common in qualitative


research research
•May be distributed online, by phone, •Conducted by the researcher in
by mail, or in person person, by phone, or online
•Usually offer closed questions with •Usually allow participants to
limited options answer in their own words
•Consistent data can be collected from •Ideas can be explored in-depth with
many people a smaller group
Observation methods
• Observations allow you to collect data unobtrusively, observing
characteristics, behaviors, or social interactions without relying on
self-reporting.

Quantitative observation Qualitative observation

•Systematically counting or measuring •Taking detailed notes & writing rich descriptions
•Categories and criteria determined in advance •All relevant observations can be recorded
Other methods of data collection
There are many other ways you might collect data depending on your field and topic.

FIELD EXAMPLES OF DATA COLLECTION METHODS


Media & communication Collecting a sample of texts (e.g. speeches,
articles, or social media posts) for data on
cultural norms and narratives
Psychology Using technologies like neuroimaging, eye-
tracking, or computer-based tasks to collect data
on things like attention, emotional response, or
reaction time
Education Using tests or assignments to collect data on
knowledge and skills
Physical sciences Using scientific instruments to collect data on
things like weight, blood pressure, or chemical
composition
• https://youtu.be/q17s84ADGfA
Step 5: Decide on your data analysis strategies
• Quantitative data analysis
In quantitative research, you’ll most likely use some form of statistical
analysis. You can summarize your sample data, make estimates, and test
hypotheses with statistics.

Using descriptive statistics, you can summarize your sample data in terms of:

• The distribution of the data (e.g. the frequency of each score on a test)
• The central tendency of the data (e.g. the mean to describe the average
score)
• The variability of the data (e.g. the standard deviation to describe how
spread out the scores are)
• Qualitative data analysis

In qualitative research, your data will usually be very dense with


information and ideas. Instead of summing it up in numbers, you’ll
need to comb through the data in detail, interpret its meanings,
identify patterns, and extract the parts that are most relevant to
your research question.

Two of the most common approaches to doing this are thematic


analysis and discourse analysis.
Approach Characteristics
Thematic analysis •Focuses on the content of the data
•Involves coding and organizing the data
to identify key themes

Discourse analysis •Focuses on putting the data in context


•Involves analyzing different levels of
communication (language, structure,
tone, etc)
Frequently asked questions about research design
• What is a research design?
A research design is a strategy for answering your research question. It defines your
overall approach and determines how you will collect and analyze data.

• Why is research design Important?


A well-planned research design helps ensure that your methods match your
research aims, that you collect high-quality data, and that you use the right kind of
analysis to answer your questions
• What are the main types of research design?

Quantitative research designs can be divided into two main categories:

• Correlational and descriptive designs are used to investigate characteristics,


averages, trends, and associations between variables.
• Experimental and quasi-experimental designs are used to test causal
relationships.

Qualitative research designs tend to be more flexible. Common types of qualitative


design include case study, ethnography, and grounded theory designs.
• https://youtu.be/SwRIhMstINg

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