Data Collection Method
INTRODUCTION: One of the important stages of research is methodology of which data collection method (s) and instrument is one. However, in post effort will be based on data collection methods. When carrying out research of any kind, one important thing to note is the type of data that is required for carrying out the research. Sometimes, it could be primary data or secondary data, etc. Data is seen as raw facts that are processed for information i.e data are facts that are meant to be refined. There are qualitative or quantitative data. Sometimes, both the data and information are often used interchangeably. In research data are collected from respondents, participants, the content of a newspaper, mere observation, interview, music, video, books, etc depending on what the researcher is seeking.
In research, data collection procedure or technique is the approach used by the research to elicit responses from the respondents, participants, content and observations. Abdulwahab (2012) defines data collection procedure as the process by which the research instrument is administrated for the purpose of data collection. Data collection can be defined as a process of collecting and measuring information on specific variables in order to provide answers to the research problem which will also determine the type of answers generate as findings.
Although, different fields of study have different ways of collecting data but one fact that still remain is that they share same purpose of ensuring accurate and objectives data collection I.e the primary objective of every data collection is to generate evidence base data that can be tested, verified and generalized.
The type of research will determine the type of data gathering technique to be used because qualitative and quantitative research called for different data and data collection method. Although, at advanced research, two or more research method can be used together (Triangulation). It should be noted that fair and accurate data collection is critical to enhance the integrity of any kind of research.
Problems with Poor Data Collection
If the research data is poorly collected or not properly collected as a result of different factors, below are some of the consequences. Karim (2014) offers the following as some of the importance of good data collection to research.
Meanwhile, in using an appropriate method, this is need to collect data using appropriate data. Data collection instruments are one of the essential ingredients in research. There are several instruments that are used by researchers in gathering data but for the purpose of this piece, few of the instruments will be explained.
- Questionnaire
- Code sheet/Content categories
- Interview guide/Recorders