Data collection methods, techniques and instruments/tools

Method is the most general

The Quantitative Method focuses on measuring numerical and objective data.

The Qualitative Method describes data and is more flexible and subjective.

Techniques are specific procedures that can be structured or unstructured.

Such as: Structured survey, structured observation and testing, interview, focus group, unestructured observation and document analysis.

Intruments/tools are the specific materials used to collect data during each technique.

- A questionnaire is a survey instrument.

- Checklist is a structured observation instrument.

- Audio recording is a tool used in interviews and focus groups.

- Field notes and observation guide are tools of unstructured observation.

Suerveys, interviews, focus group, observation, document analysis

The survey is the research technique, it has open and closed questions and its instrument is the questionnaire, which is a set of different types of questions.

The interview is a direct data collection technique and its primary importance is to collect detailed and sensitive information by audio and video recording. It is divided into 3 types:

1. Structured Interview: It's standardized with mostly closed and limited questions.

2. Semi-structured Interview: It has pre-determined questions and is effective in capturing details.

3. Unstructured Interview: it's qualitative. it can be an informal and flexible conversation.

In the focus group the discussion is led by a moderator and can be recorded by visually or audio recorded.

Observation is when you are more interested in the behavior of individuals. There are 2 types:

1. Participant observation: Is when the researcher participates in the group being observed.

2. Non-participant observation: The researcher only observes passively.

Document analysis intercepts information in written materials. This information is long and detailed.

Types of scales in questionnaires

Simple attitude scale

This is the most basic form. The person only has to answer with one statement

Category scale

Is a more sensitive measure and has only 3 response categories.

Likert scale

Is the most commonly used to measure attitudes. it measures with 5 response options.