Data collection
Data collection is a term used to describe a process of preparing and collecting data - for example as part of a process improvement or similar project.
The purpose of data collection is to obtain information to keep on record, to make decisions about important issues, to pass information on to others. Primarily, data is collected to provide information regarding a specific topic
Data collection usually takes place early on in an improvement project, and is often formalized through a data collection plan .
Overview of data collection techniques
? Enable the researcher to systematically collect the information
? If data are collected haphazardly, it will be difficult to answer the research questions
Methods of data collection.
1- Self report
a- Interview
b- Questioner
2- Scales
a- Likert scale
b- Differential semantic
3- Observational
Various data collection techniques:
? Recorded Sources
? Observation
? Interview
? Written questionnaires
? survey
1- Recorded Sources
A data collection technique that involves locating and analyzing information that has already been collected (old data)
2- Observation
Observation is a technique which involves systematically selecting, watching and recording behavior and characteristics of living beings, objects or phenomena. Here the eye is the most important research tool.
It can be done in different ways:
• Participant observation
• Non-participant observation
Observation
n Observation relies on the researchers’ ability to gather data though their senses - and allows researchers to document actual behaviour rather than responses related to behaviour
n However, the observed can act differently when shrivelled, and observations can be tainted by a researcher’s worldview
The Observation Process
n The observation process is sometimes treated casually, but is a method that needs to be treated as rigorously as any other
n The process should include planning, observing, recording, reflecting, and authenticating
3- Interview
An interview is a data collection technique that involves oral questioning of respondents, either individually or as a group
4- Written questionnaire
A written questionnaire (self-administered) is a data collection tool in which written questions are presented that are to be answered in written form by the respondents themselves.
5- Survey: solicits information from people; marketing surveys.
The Response Rate (i.e. the proportion of all people selected who complete the survey) is a key survey parameter.
Surveys may be administered in a variety of ways, e.g.
• Personal Interview,
• Telephone Interview,
• Self Administered Questionnaire, and
• Internet
Questionnaire Design…
Over the years, a lot of thought has been put into the science of the design of survey questions. Key design principles:
1. Keep the questionnaire as short as possible.
2. Ask short, simple, and clearly worded questions.
3. Start with demographic questions to help respondents get started comfortably.
4. Use dichotomous (yes|no) and multiple choice questions.
5. Use open-ended questions cautiously.
6. Avoid using leading-questions.
7. Pretest a questionnaire on a small number of people.
Think about the way you intend to use the collected data when preparing
Collecting Primary Data
n Survey Based
– Questionnaires
– Interviews
– Observations