2. INTRODUCTION
DATA COLLECTION - process by which
researcher collects information needed to
answer the research problem.
When research study is done, there is a need to
collect the required information.
However, sometimes information required is
already available and need only be extracted.
Based upon these broad approaches, data can
2
3. PRIMARY DATA
Data which are collected afresh and for the first
time.
They happen to be original in character .
Examples of primary sources include :
₋ finding out first-hand , the attitude of a community
towards health services,
₋ ascertaining health needs of a community,
₋ determining job satisfaction of employees of an
3
4. Contd...
Several methods can be used to collect primary
data.
The choice of a method depends upon
₋ the purpose of the study,
₋ the resources available and
₋ the skills of the researcher.
Socioeconomic– demographic characteristics of
the study population - plays important role in
4
5. METHODS OF DATA
COLLECTION
1. OBSERVATION:
Purposeful, systematic and selective way -
watching and listening to an interaction or
phenomenon -as it takes place.
Most appropriate method of data collection; for
example, when one wants to :
₋ learn about the interaction in a group,
₋ study dietary patterns of a population,
₋ ascertain functions performed by a worker,
₋ study personality traits of an individual.
There are two types of observation:
5
6. a) PARTICIPANT
OBSERVATION :
Researcher participate in activities of group
observed - In same manner as its members -
with/without knowing that they are being observed.
EXAMPLES:
₋ To examine reactions of public towards people in
wheelchairs - study their reactions by sitting in a
wheelchair.
₋ To study life of prisoners –researcher can pretend
to be a prisoner in order to do this.
6
7. b) NON-PARTICIPANT
OBSERVATION
Researcher do not get involved in activities of
group - remains a passive observer – watching ,
listening to its activities - drawing conclusions from
this.
EXAMPLE:
₋ To study functions of nurses in a hospital - watch,
follow, record activities as performed –
conclusions drawn after making no: of
observations.
Any occupational group in any setting can be
7
8. 2. INTERVIEW
Person-to-person interaction , face to face - or
between two or more individuals - with
specific purpose in mind.
Commonly used method of collecting
information from people.
Two types of interviews:
₋ Unstructured interview
₋ Structured interview
8
9. a) UNSTRUCTURED
INTERVIEWS
Almost complete freedom - in content and
structure of interview.
Complete freedom in terms of wordings used -
the way questions are explained to the
respondents.
Formulate questions and raise issues -on the
spur of the moment- depending upon what
occurs to you in the context of the discussion.
Prevalent in both quantitative and qualitative
9
10. b) STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS
Researcher -asks predetermined set of questions-
same wordings , order of questions- as specified in
interview schedule.
Interview schedule - written list of questions- open
ended or closed-prepared by interviewer .
Advantages -provides uniform information -
assures comparability of data.
Requires fewer interviewing skills .
10
11. 3. QUESTIONNARE
Written list of questions - answers to which -
recorded by respondents.
Difference between Interview schedule and
Questionnaire :
- In the former, interviewer asks question and
records respondents replies.
- In the latter, replies are recorded by
respondents themselves.
11
12. WAYS TO ADMINISTER A QUESTIONNA
a) MAILED QUESTIONNAIRE :
Send the questionnaire to prospective
respondents by mail.
Major problem with this method is the low
response rate.
Results in limited applicability of the findings
to the population studied.
12
13. b) COLLECTIVE ADMINISTRATION
Obtain a captive audience - students in a
classroom-people attending a function -
participants in a programme.
Ensures a very high response rate
Personal contact with study population - can
explain the purpose - relevance and
importance of study -clarify any questions
respondents may have.
13
14. c) ADMINISTRATION IN PUBLIC
PLACE
administer questionnaire in public places-
shopping centre, health centre, hospital, school.
depends on type of study population looking for -
where its likely to be found.
purpose of the study -explained to potential
respondents-as they approach -participation in
the study requested
14
