Research MethodsData Collection Tools

These are instruments used to collect information for use in performance assessment, self-evaluation and external evaluation.

What are Data Collection Tools?

Face to Face (In-Person) Interviews

Advantages There is a high response rate. Interviewers can make relevant

observations on sensible variables. The researcher can adapt the

questions as necessary, clarify doubt and ensure that the responses are properly understood.

An interactive process in which trained interviewers visit people in their homes or work to directly collect data from them.

Disadvantages Travel costs for interviewers

can be high. The interviewers to not always

visit at times convenient to the interviewee and hence may have to revisit.

High cost to train and recruit interviewers.

Interviewer bias communicated by demeanor, tone of voice and questioning style may influence respondents.

Mail Surveys or Self-Administered Questions

This involves posting out the data collection instrument to the respondents which they are required to complete in privacy and return.

Advantages It is relatively less expensive

than face to face interviews but costs can increase if sample size is large.

It is convenient for distributing large numbers of questionnaire in a short time over large geographical areas.

Respondents can complete questionnaire at their convenience and privacy.

Respondents can check personal information if memory fails.

It avoids interview bias.

Disadvantages Researcher will have to compile an up to

date mailing list of all persons to be included in the survey.

Lower response rate than other methods of data collection.

Ineffective if respondents are not literate. Slow response rate even though reminder

letters and incentives can be used to speed up rate of return.

Researcher cannot control condition of the response.

Telephone InterviewsThis involves trained interviewers calling persons to collect data.

Advantages Possible coverage of wide

geographic area. It is quicker and less

expensive than the face-to-face method.

Random digital dialing can be used to make sampling easy.

High response rate possible.

Interviewer can control questioning sequence.

Disadvantages Only people with telephones can be

interviewed. High costs involved for long distance

calls; may need several call backs. Respondents can terminate

interview by hanging up the phone. Anonymity is limited.

Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI)

This is similar to the telephone interview except that the responses are immediately keyed into a computer to save time spent processing data.

Advantages The whole process is

speeded up because data is entered as it is obtained.

Data is entered directly and the subsequent transaction of data processing are eliminated.

Disadvantages If the respondent changes

an earlier answer during the interview it is difficult to make alterations than with paper questionnaire.

Getting a questionnaire up and running fault free on CATI system takes time

The Internet (On-Line Surveys)

This involves posting the questionnaire to a website and respondents complete in online.

Advantages Working online is relatively

inexpensive Responses can be collected

form a vast geographical area

Quick electronic capture of data and easy compilation.

Anonymity is possible through secure browsers and encryption.

Disadvantages Those with no internet access

cant participate. Difficult to guarantee a

representative sample online. Multiple responses from the same

person is hard to detect. Difficult to use open-ended

questions.

Collecting Data for Qualitative Research

The following methods or data collection are available: The in-depth interview Observational Method Document Review

This entails the interviewer asking questions, listening and recording responses of those interviewed. There are three types of in depth interviews: 1. Informal conversational interview2. Semi-structured interview 3. Standard open ended interview.

In Depth Interview

Informal Conversational

Interview Advantages It allows the researcher the

flexibility to ask questions in any order.

The interviewer is able to probe new information that may immerge during conversation

Large amount of detail is generated.

Disadvantage The flowing nature of

conversation often generates less systematic data that is difficult and time consuming to analyze.

Semi-structured Interview

Advantages The flexibility allows the

interviewer to pursue certain responses in greater detail.

The pre-determined list makes the interview more systematic and focused.

Disadvantages Can’t guarantee honesty

of participants. Flexibility of interview

may lessen its reliability. Open-ended questions

are difficult to analyze. It is difficult to compare

answers.

Advantages It minimizes variation in questions posed to respondents. It ensures accuracy and consistency of questions asked.

Disadvantage It does not allow flexibility in dealing with situational changes

or individual differences that the researcher might occur.

Standard Open-ended Interview

There are two types of Observation:1. Participant or Overt Observation2. Direct or Covert Observation

Observational Methods

This involves first hand identification, accurate description and recording in a pre-determined phenomenon within the target population.

Participant or Overt Observation

Advantages It helps the researcher to

decide what questions to ask the respondents.

Researchers are better able to appreciate and understand the factors that influence behaviours

Disadvantage When using the

“participants as observer format” the researcher can lose objectivity

Observer can become distracted and loose focus of the research.

Direct or Covert Observation

AdvantagesObservation may sometimes

be the only assessment method possible.

There can be no plagiarism or false reports.

It is a great way to assess practical.

DisadvantagesThe validity of the

observation will become compromised if respondents change their behaviour because they know they are under observation.

Small sample Size. It is time consuming.

Document ReviewThis includes historical documents, literature reviews and personal documents (diaries and journals).

Advantages Relatively inexpensive Good source of

background information Unobtrusive Provides a “behind the

scenes” look at a program that may not be directly

observable May bring up issues not

noted by other means

Disadvantages Information may be

inapplicable, disorganized, Unavailable or out of date Could be biased because of

selective survival of information

Information may be incomplete or inaccurate

Can be time consuming to collect, review, and analyze many documents

Group Members(Group 6)