Introduction to Data Collection in

Research
Research Methods
 Introduction
• Data collection involves systematically gathering information to answer research
questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

• Effective data collection ensures that the information obtained is accurate, reliable, and
relevant to the research objectives.

• Data collection methods can vary significantly depending on the research approach
employed, which can be broadly categorized into quantitative and qualitative research.

• Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative
research emphasizes understanding phenomena through detailed, narrative data.

• Each approach requires specific data collection techniques to ensure the integrity and
validity of the research findings.
Quantitative Research

Objective
To quantify data and generalize results from a sample to the population of
interest.

Methods
Structured methods such as surveys, questionnaires, and experiments.

Data Collection
Typically involves collecting numerical data that can be analyzed
statistically.
 Qualitative Research

Objective
To gain an in-depth understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and
motivations.

Methods
Unstructured or semi-structured techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and
observations.

Data Collection
Involves collecting detailed, narrative data that can be analyzed thematically.
 Types of Data Collection Methods
• Survey
• Observation
• Experiments
• Interviews
• Content analysis
• Focus Group Discussion
 Data Collection Tools
• Questionnaire
• Interview Guide
• Observation checklist
 Questionnaires
• Questionnaires are structured tools consisting of a series of questions
designed to gather information from respondents.

• They can be administered in various formats including in-person, by

mail, online, or over the phone.

• Used to collect large amounts of data from a diverse population to

analyze trends, attitudes, or behaviors.

Examples: Health surveys, customer satisfaction surveys, demographic

studies.
 Steps in Designing a Questionnaire

Define Objectives
Clearly outline what you want to achieve with the questionnaire.

Draft Questions
Develop questions that are clear, concise, and relevant. Use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions as
appropriate.

Format and Layout

Organize the questions logically, grouping related topics together. Ensure the questionnaire is visually appealing
and easy to follow.

Start with an interesting but non controversial question that is already related to the subject of the study .

Pose more sensitive question as late as possible

 Things to Consider Before Use
Research Objectives
Ensure the questions align with the objectives and can gather the necessary data.

Target Population
Consider the demographics, literacy level, and accessibility of the respondents.

Distribution Method
Choose the most effective method to reach the target population (e.g., online, mail, in-person).

Ethical Considerations
Ensure confidentiality and obtain informed consent from respondents.
 Types of questions

• Open-ended questions - They allow for respondents to answer in

their own words, providing rich, qualitative data.

• Close-ended questions – Provides specific options for respondents to

choose from, generating quantitative data

 Advantages of Open-ended Questions

• They permit an unlimited number of possible answers

• Receive wide range of opinions, different attitudes and expectations from

respondents.

• They permit creativity, self-expression’ and richness of detail.

• They permit adequate answers to complex issues.

• Unanticipated findings can be discovered.

• They reveal a respondent’s logic, thinking process and frame of reference.

 Disadvantages of Open-ended Question

• Skilled interviews are needed to focus on relevant issues

• Analysis is time consuming and requires experience

• Different respondents give different degrees of detail in answers

• Responses may be irrelevant or buried in useless detail

• Coding responses is difficult

• Respondents can be intimidated by questions

• Responses are written verbatim, which is difficult for interviewers

 Advantages of Closed-ended Question

• Easier and quicker for respondent to answer.

• Easier to compare different respondent questions.

• Answers are easier to code and statistically analysed.

• Respondents are more likely to answer sensitive questions.

• Replication is easier.
 Disadvantages of Closed-ended Question
• Respondent with no option or knowledge can answer any how.

• Respondent can be frustrated because their desired answers are not among
the option.

• It is confusing if many respond choices are offered.

• Misinterpretation of a question can go unnoticed.

• Respondents are forced to give simple response to complex questions or

issues.
ADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNAIRES
• Cost-Effective
• Standardized (Provides uniform data that is easy to analyze statistically).
• Anonymity (Allows respondents to provide honest answers without fear of identification).

DISADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNAIRES

 Low Response Rate (May suffer from low participation, especially in mail or online
surveys).
 Misinterpretation (Respondents may misunderstand questions, leading to inaccurate data).
 Lack of Depth (May not capture detailed insights or the full context of responses).
 INTERVIEWS

• A method of field investigation whereby a researcher meets his respondents and through

the interaction asks specific questions to find answers to his research problem.

• This method is used when respondents are willing to talk and have adequate knowledge

about a research problem.

• The researcher structure specific questions and ask these questions during his encounter

with respondents.

• Some questions will also emerge during the discussions and these are usually unstructured.
 Interview Guides
• Interview guides are tools used to facilitate structured or semi-
structured interviews.

• They outline the topics and questions to be covered, ensuring

consistency while allowing flexibility for in-depth exploration.

• Used to explore complex behaviors, motivations, and experiences

through detailed, conversational data.
Examples: Case studies, ethnographic research, in-depth interviews.
 Procedures

1. Develop an interview guide with key topics and questions.

2. Engage participants in a dialogue, following the guide but allowing

for flexibility based on responses.

3. Take notes or record interviews for later transcription and analysis.

 Things to Consider Before Use

1. Ensure the interview questions align with the research goals.

2. Choose participants who can provide relevant and insightful

information.

3. Ensure interviewers are skilled in conducting interviews and handling

sensitive topics.

4. Obtain informed consent, ensure confidentiality, and be prepared to

address any distress caused to participants.
Advantages
• Allows for in-depth exploration of participant experiences and perspectives.
• There is flexibility so Interviewers can probe deeper based on the
conversation flow.
• Interviewers can clarify questions and responses, reducing misinterpretation.

Disadvantages
• Conducting and transcribing interviews is labor-intensive and time
consuming.
• The presence and behavior of the interviewer can influence responses.
• Requires skilled interviewers and resources for transcription and analysis.
 Focus Group Discussions (FGD)
•Focus group discussions involve guided conversations with a small group of
participants (typically 6-12) to gather diverse perspectives on a specific topic.

•A moderator facilitates the discussion using a predefined guide.

•The purpose of an FGD is to obtain in-depth information on concepts,

perceptions and ideals of the group.

•An FGD aims to be more than a question-answer interaction. The idea is that
group members discuss the topic among themselves.
FGD techniques can be used to;

• Focus Research and develop relevant research hypotheses by exploring in

greater depth the problem to be investigated and its possible causes.

• Formulate appropriate questions for more structured, large-scale surveys.

• Supplement information on community knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and

behaviour already available but incomplete or unclear.
 Things to Consider Before Use
1. Ensure the discussion topics can align with the research goals.

2. Recruit participants who represent the target population and can provide
diverse perspectives.

3. The moderator should be skilled in facilitating discussions and managing

group dynamics.

4. Ensure informed consent, maintain confidentiality, and address any

potential conflicts or discomfort during the discussion.
 How to Conduct a Focus Group Discussion
Recruitment of Participants

• Participants should be roughly of the same socioeconomic group or

have a similar background in relation to the issue under investigation.

• The age and sexual composition of the group should facilitate free
discussion.
• If you need to obtain information on a topic from several different
categories of informants who are likely to discuss the issue from
different perspectives you should organise a focus group for each
major category. For example
• A group for men and a group for women or

• A group for older women and a group for young women.

• It may be interesting to have an additional discussion in which the

groups are confronted with each other’s options.
• Participants should be invited at least 1 or 2 days in advance, and the
general purpose of the FGD should be explained.

Physical Arrangements

• Communication and interaction during the FGD should be encouraged

in every way possible.

• Arrange the chairs in a circle. Make sure the area will be quite
adequately lighted etc, and that there will be no disturbances.
• Try to hold the FGD in a neutral setting that encourages participants to
freely express their views. A health centre for example is not a good
place to discuss traditional medical beliefs or preferences for other
types of treatment.
Preparation of A Discussion Guide

• There should be a written list of topics to be covered.

• It can be formulated as a series of open-ended questions.

• Guides for different groups gathered to discuss the same subject may vary
slightly, depending on their knowledge or attitudes and how the subject can
first be explored with them.
Conducting the Session
• One of the members of the research team should act as “facilitator” for
the focus group. One should also serve as records.
 Functions of the Facilitator
The facilitator should not act as an expert on the topic. His or her role is to:

• Stimulate and support discussion.

• Introduce the session

• Encourage discussion

• Encourage involvement

• Build reports, emphasize with the members of the groups

• Avoid being placed in the role of an expert

• Control the rhythm of the meeting, but in an unobtrusive way

• Take time at the end of the meeting to summarize, check for

agreement and thank the participants.

• It is also important to listen for additional comments made after the

meeting has been closed.
Advantages
 Group dynamics can stimulate discussion and generate a wide range of insights.
 Collects data from multiple participants simultaneously.
 Allows participants to build on each other's ideas, providing a deeper understanding
of the topic.

Disadvantages
 Groupthink - Dominant participants can influence others, potentially suppressing
individual opinions.
 Organizing and facilitating focus groups can be challenging and resource-intensive.
 Findings may not be generalizable to the broader population due to the small and
non-random sample.