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INTRODUCTION

The document discusses the importance of data collection in research, emphasizing the need for proper planning to avoid issues such as inaccurate findings and wasted resources. It outlines the steps for effective data gathering, differentiates between primary and secondary data sources, and provides methods for collecting both types. Additionally, it highlights key design principles for questionnaires and the importance of validating secondary data.

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Ara Mae Lagutin Ramirez
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26 views12 pages

INTRODUCTION

The document discusses the importance of data collection in research, emphasizing the need for proper planning to avoid issues such as inaccurate findings and wasted resources. It outlines the steps for effective data gathering, differentiates between primary and secondary data sources, and provides methods for collecting both types. Additionally, it highlights key design principles for questionnaires and the importance of validating secondary data.

Uploaded by

Ara Mae Lagutin Ramirez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION

Everybody collects, interprets and uses information, much of it


in numerical or statistical forms in day-to-day life. It is a
common practice that people receive large quantities of
information everyday through conversations, televisions,
computers, the radios, newspapers, posters, notices and
instructions. It is just because there is so much information
available that people need to be able to absorb, select and
reject it. In everyday life, in business and industry, certain
statistical information is necessary, and it is independent to
know where to find it how to collect it.
Data Collection is the process of gathering and measuring
information on variables of interest, in an established systematic
fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test
hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.
Without proper planning for data collection, a number of problems
can occur. If the data collection’s steps and processes are not
properly planned, the research project can ultimately end up with a
data set that does not serve the purpose for which it was intended.
For example, if more than one person is involved in the data
collection, but data collectors do not follow consistent data
collection practices, they can end up with data with different units,
collection processes, and variable names.
CONSEQUENCES FROM IMPROPERLY COLLECTED DATA
1. Inability to answer research questions accurately.
2. Inability to repeat and validate the study.
3. Distorted findings resulting in wasted resources.
4. Misleading other researchers to pursue fruitless
avenues of investigation.
5. Compromising decisions for public policy.
6. Causing harm to human participants and animal
subjects.
STEPS IN DATA GATHERING
1. Set the objectives for collecting data
2. Determine the data needed based on the set objectives.
3. Determine the method to be used in data gathering and define
the comprehensive data collection points.
4. Design data gathering forms to be used.
5. Collect data.
SOURCES OF DATA
 Whether conducting research in the social sciences, humanities
arts, or natural sciences, the ability to distinguish between
primary and secondary sources is essential.
A. Primary Sources - Provide a first-hand account of an event or
time period and are considered to be authoritative. They
represent original thinking, reports on discoveries or events, or
they can share new information. Often these sources are created
at the time the events occurred but they can also include sources
that are created later. They are usually the first formal
appearance of original research.
The firsthand information obtained by the investigator is more reliable and
accurate since the investigator can extract the correct information by
removing doubts, if any, in the minds of the respondents regarding certain
questions. High response rates might be obtained since the answers to
various questions are obtained on the spot. It permits explanation of
questions concerning difficult subject matter.
Primary Sources of Data can be obtained using the following
methods:
1. Direct personal interviews – The researcher has direct contact
with the interviewee. The researcher gathers information by
asking questions to the interviewee.
2. Indirect/Questionnaire Method – These methods of data
collection involve sourcing and accessing existing data that were
originally collected for the purpose of the study.
3. Focus Group - is a group interview of approximately six to twelve
people who share similar characteristics or common
interests. A facilitator guides the group based on a
predetermined set of topics.
4. Experiment - is a method of collecting data where there is direct
human intervention on the conditions that may affect the values
of the variable of interest. Bear in mind that the experimental
method has several limitations that you should be aware of
- Ethical, Moral, and Legal Concerns
- Unrealistic Controlled Environments
- Inability to Control for All Variables
5. Observation - is a technique that involves systematically
selecting, watching and recoding behaviors of people or other
phenomena and aspects of the setting in which they occur, for the
purpose of getting (gaining) specified information. It includes all
methods from simple visual observations to the use of high-level
machines and measurements, sophisticated equipment or
facilities.
Key Design Principles of a Good Questionnaire

1. Keep the questionnaire as short as possible.


2. Decide on the type of questionnaire (Open Ended or Closed Ended).
3. Write the questions properly.
4. Order the questions appropriately.
5. Avoid questions that prompt or motivate the respondent to say what
you would like to hear.
6. Write an introductory letter or an introduction.
7. Write special instructions for interviewers or respondents.
8. Translate the questions if necessary.
9. Always test your questions before taking the survey. (Pre-test)

Take Note! Question wording and question order have a large effect on the
responses obtained.
a. An open-ended question is a type of question that does not include
response categories. This type of question is usually appropriate for
collecting subjective data.
b. A closed-ended question is a type of question that includes a list of
response categories from which the respondent will select his answer.
This type of question is usually appropriate for collecting objective data.
B. Secondary Sources - offer an analysis, interpretation or a
restatement of primary sources and are persuasive. They often
involve generalization, synthesis, interpretation, commentary or
evaluation to convince the reader of the creator's argument. They
often attempt to describe or explain primary sources.
 Secondary data are less expensive to collect both in money and time. These data can
also be better utilized and sometimes the quality of such data may be better because
these might have been collected by persons who were specially trained for that purpose.

 On the other hand, such data must be used with great care, because such data may also
be full of errors because the purpose of the collection of the data by the primary agency
may have been different from the purpose of the user of these secondary data.
Secondly, there may have been bias introduced, the size of the sample may have been
inadequate, or there may have been arithmetic or definition errors, hence, it is
necessary to critically investigate the validity of the secondary data.
Secondary Sources of Data can be obtained using the following methods:

1. Published report on newspaper and periodicals.


2. Financial Data reported in annual reports.
3. Records maintained by the institution.
4. Internal reports of the government departments.
5. Information from official publications.

Take Note!

• Always investigate the validity and reliability of the data by examining the
collection method employed by your source.

• Do not use inappropriate data for your research.

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