Effective Data Collection Methods: Techniques and Resources for Researchers
This guide focuses on various data collection methods, including surveys, experiments, case studies, observations, interviews, and the use of secondary data. It highlights the advantages such as large samples, robust methodologies, and the ability to concentrate on analysis. However, it also discusses potential limitations, like data compatibility and historical relevance. Reliable sources for gathering data are provided, including educational institutions, government agencies, and specialized databases. Proper planning and documentation are critical for successful data collection.
Effective Data Collection Methods: Techniques and Resources for Researchers
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Collecting Data • Survey - questionnaires • Experiment • Case study • Observation • Interviews & Focus Groups • Use secondary data
Secondary Data Collection • Good for historical/longitudinal research • Often used in accountancy and financial research • May have depth limitations • Can be valid and reliable
Sources - Educational institutions - Government agencies - Companies - Non-profit making organisations - Media - Public and specialist libraries - World Wide Web and internet-based resources
Advantages - Large representative samples well beyond the resources of the individual researcher - Supported documentation and explanation of methodology, sampling strategy, data codes etc. - Researcher can concentrate on data analysis and interpretation
Disadvantages - Data compatibility; does the information match what is required for your research? • Data coverage; does the information cover all subjects or groups in your research? Does the information come from all time periods or are there gaps? • Consistency of time series - Historical and therefore may not be relevant to current issues - Need to assess the quality of the data and the approach used in initial gathering of the data
Sources • Fame Database and Global Market Information Database – under NULIN page – databases – http://staff.napier.ac.uk/Services/Library/Electronic+Resources/Databases/Databases+F-L.htm • Economic and Social Data Service (ESDS) www.esds.ac.uk - requires registration • UNDP - http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/ • OECD Statistics http://www.oecd.org/statsportal/0,3352,en_2825_293564_1_1_1_1_1,00.html
More Sources • World Health Organisation Statistical Information System (WHOSIS) • http://www.who.int/whosis/en/ • Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics (SNS) • http://www.sns.gov.uk/ • Also Local Authorities e.g. Fife Council • http://knowfife.fife.gov.uk/ • Information Services Division (ISD) – SHHS http://knowfife.fife.gov.uk/ • General Register for Scotland Statistics (GROS) • http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/
Points • Need a plan • Note sources • Read footnotes and accompanying notes • Reference properly • Take care in constructing dataset.
Observation • Always important • Need to document • Need to be unobtrusive • Use data collection sheets