Data collection tools: Interview and Questionnaire Methods

1. Data collection tools: Interview and Questionnaire Methods Pradeep P Research Scholar Guide Dr. N.S. Harinarayana

2. Introduction Data are special type of information, generally obtained through observation, surveys, enquiries, or are generated as a result of human activity. Primary Data are collected afresh & for the first time, specially for the designed study. Secondary Data have already been collected & compiled by someone else.

3. Methods of data collection • Observation • Interviewing • Mail survey • Experimentation • Simulation and • Projective technique.

4. Interview Method • The Interview schedule is referred to as a form filled in during a personal interview in which both the interviewers as well as the respondent are present. It contains a set of questions which are asked and then the columns are filled in by an interviewer in a face to face situation

5. Definition of Interview • According to Monette et al. (1986:156), ‘an interview involves an interviewer reading questions to respondents and recording their answers’. • According to Burns (1997: 329), ‘an interview is a verbal interchange, often face to face though the telephone may be used, in which an interviewer tries to elicit information, beliefs or opinions from another person’.

6. Types of Interview methods • Structured and Unstructured interview • Focused interview • Clinical interview • Depth interview

7. Advantages of Interview • The interview is more appropriate for complex situations. • It is useful for collecting in-depth information. • Information can be supplemented. • Questions can be explained. • Interviewing has a wider application.

8. Disadvantages of Interview • Interviewing is time consuming and expensive. • The quality of data depends upon the quality of the interaction. • The quality of data depends upon the quality of the interviewer. • The quality of data may vary when may interviewers are used. • The researcher may introduce his/her bias.

9. Questionnaire Method • Questionnaire is the structured set of questions usually sent by mail, though sometimes it is delivered by hand also. • Questionnaire is described as “a document that contains a set of questions, the answers to which are to be provided personally by the respondents”.

10. Steps in questionnaire construction • Preparation • Constructing the first draft • Self-evaluation • External evaluation • Revision • Pre-test or Pilot study • Revision • Second pre-testing • Preparing final draft

11. Advantages of Questionnaire • Lower cost • Time saving • Accessibility to widespread respondents • No interviewer’s bias • Greater anonymity • Respondent’s convenience • Standard wordings • No Variation

12. Disadvantagesof questionnaire • The mailed questionnaires can be used only for educated people. • Sometimes different respondent’s interpreted questions differently • Questionnaires do not provide an opportunity to collect additional information • Researchers are not sure whether the person to whom the questionnaire was mailed has himself answered the questions. • Many questions remain unanswered • The respondent can consult other persons before filling in the questionnaire.

13. Thank You