2. PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION
The purpose of data collection are
to obtain information
to keep on record
to make decisions about important issues
to pass information on to others
4. What is data?
Data are the raw numbers or facts which must be processed to give useful
information.
Data collection is expensive, so it is sensible to decide what the data will be
used for before they are collected.
In principle, there is an optimal amount of data which should be collected.
These data should be as accurate as possible.
5. OBSERVATION METHOD
Observation method is a technique in which the behavior of research subjects
is watched and recorded without any direct contact.
6. CHARACTERISTICS
It is the main method of Psychology and serves as the basis of any scientific
enquiry.
Primary material of any study can be collected by this method.
Observational method of research concerns the planned watching, recording
and analysis of observed method.
This method requires careful preparation and proper training for the observer.
8. STRUCTURED vs UNSTRUCTURED
OBSERVATION
STRUCTURED OBSERVATION
In structured observation, the researcher specifies in detail what is to be
observed and how the measurements are to be recorded.
It is appropriate when the problem is clearly defined and the information
needed is specified.
UNSTRUCTURED OBSERVATION
In unstructured observation, theresearcher monitors all aspects of the
phenomenon that seem relevant.
It is appropriate when the problem has yet to be formulated precisely and
flexibility is needed in observation to identify key components of the problem
and to develop hypotheses.
9. PARTICIPANT vs NON PARTICIPANT
OBSERVATION
PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
If the observer observes 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, then the observation is called participant observation.
NON PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
When the observer observes as a detached emissary without any attempt on
his part to experience through participation what others feel, the observation
of this type is known as non-participant observation.
10. CONTROLLED vs UNCONTROLLED
OBSERVATION
CONTROLLED OBSERVATION
If the observation takes place according to definite pre-arranged plans,
involving experimental procedure, the same is termed as controlled
observation.
UNCONTROLLED OBSERVATION
If the observation takes place in the natural setting, it may be termed as
uncontrolled observation..
11. OBSERVATIONS
ADVANTAGES
Most direct measure of behaviour
Provides direct information
Easy to complete, saves time
Can be used in natural or experimental settings
DISADVANTAGES
May require training
Observer’s presence may create artificial situation
Potential to overlook meaningful aspects
Potential for misinterpretation
Difficult to analyse
12. FIELD INVESTIGATION
Any activity aimed at collecting primary (original or otherwise unavailable)
data, using methods such as face-to-face interviewing, surveys and case study
method is termed as field investigation.
13. SURVEY
The survey is a non-experimental, descriptive research method.
Surveys can be useful when a researcher wants to collect data on phenomena
that cannot be directly observed (such as opinions on library services).
In a survey, researchers sample a population.
14. METHOD OF SURVEY
The Survey method is the technique of gathering data by asking questions to
people who are thought to have desired information.
A formal list of questionnaire is prepared. Generally a non disguised approach
is used.
The respondents are asked questions on their demographic interest opinion.
15. CASE STUDY METHOD
Case study method is a common technique used in research to test theoretical
propositions or questions in relation to qualitative inquiry.
The strength of the case study approach is that it facilitates simultaneous
analysis and comparison of individual cases for the purpose of identifying
particular phenomena among those cases, and for the purpose of more
general theory testing, development or construction.
16. WHAT IS IT?
A case study is a form of research defined by an interest in individual cases. It
is not a methodology per se, but rather a useful technique or strategy for
conducting qualitative research.
The more the object of study is a specific, unique, bounded system, the more
likely that it can be characterized as a case study.
Once the case is chosen, it can be investigated by whatever method is
deemed appropriate to the aims of the study.
17. INTERVIEWS
Interview is the verbal conversation between two people with the objective
of collecting relevant information for the purpose of research.
It is possible to use the interview technique as one of the data collection
methods for the research.
It makes the researcher to feel that the data what he collected is true and
honest and original by nature because of the face to face interaction.