Data collection or research tools refer to the devices or instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. They are used to measure a variable, or to collect the information needed to answer a research question. Careful selection of research tools can help the researcher achieve goals and save time. Show Data CollectionData are facts, numbers, letters or symbols that describe an object, idea, condition, situation or other factors. They serve as raw material for analysis and provide the facts and figures which are preparing various measurement scales. They also make the results of the study publicly available. Collecting data is one of the most important components of research. Good data plays a significant role in gaining insight on the on the existing problem or opportunity. Lack of good data limits the effectiveness of other data tools. Data is vital in every step of the entire process. However, data is most necessary at the initial step since it helps the researcher to narrow down the scope of the problem being investigated. There are a number of methods which are utilized during the data collection process. Some of the most common data collection methods include use of interviews, questionnaires and observations. Data TypesQualitative: qualitative data are measures of ‘types’ and may be represented by a name, symbol, or a number code. Quantitative: quantitative data are measures of values or counts and are expressed as numbers. They are data about numeric variables (e.g. how many; how much; or how often). Research ToolsA data collection tool or research tool is any tool used to measure a variable, or to collect the information needed to answer a research question. Careful selection of data collection tools can help the researcher achieve goals and save time. Any research is only as good as the data that drives it, so choosing the right technique of data collection can make all the difference. In this article, and the next two articles to be published in the coming days, we will look at three different data collection techniques – observation, questionnaire and interview, and evaluate their suitability under different circumstances. ObservationObservation is one of the most important research tools in the social and human sciences, having a vital role to play in helping to understand and interpret the social, cultural and economic environment. Any research benefits from observation, which entails use of senses to collect data from the external environment, because this tool is widely used. The observer must be able to free himself from the constraints of personal values in order to observe the facts as it is. While doing observation, we must go beyond the surface and penetrate the depth. All social researches begin with observation, and ends with it; in other words observation is an inevitable part of any study or research on any social phenomenon. The most important positive aspect of observation is that it directly examines the phenomenon, enabling the behavior to be observed as it happens. Observation TypesStructured or Controlled: It is characterized by a careful definition of the units to be observed, the style of recording the information, standardized condition of observation and selection of pertinent data of observation. Unstructured or uncontrolled: When observation is to take place without above-mentioned characteristics, is called unstructured observation. Participant: It is the observer by making himself, more or less a member of the group he is observing. So that he can experience what the members of the group experience. Non-participant: When observer observe as a detached emissary without any attempt on his part to experience through participation what others feel is called non-participant . Pros and ConsSeeing is believing, they say. Making direct observations of simplistic phenomena can be a very quick and effective way of collecting data with minimal intrusion; while at the same time imposing some disadvantages. Advantages:
Disadvantages
What is observation method of data collection in research?Observation is way of gathering data by watching behavior, events, or noting physical characteristics in their natural setting. Observations can be overt (everyone knows they are being observed) or covert (no one knows they are being observed and the observer is concealed).
What type of research observes and records behavior?What Is Observational Research? The term observational research is used to refer to several different types of non-experimental studies in which behavior is systematically observed and recorded. The goal of observational research is to describe a variable or set of variables.
What are the various types of data collection methods?Here are the top six data collection methods:. Interviews.. Questionnaires and surveys.. Observations.. Documents and records.. Focus groups.. Oral histories.. What are the methods of data collection in research methodology?The data collection methods enable you to conclude an answer to the relevant question. Some of the data collection types include surveys, delphi technique, focus groups, interviews and so on.
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