Data Collection Methods
Data collection methods are essential parts of research. If data are collected using the wrong method, there will be an inconclusive impact on the research findings, thus leading to an incorrect outcome. Data collection uses different methods depending on the type of study, that is, qualitative or quantitative. The methods help in providing answers to various questions in the study. Therefore, correct data collection methods provide accuracy in data assessment, thus enabling researchers to predict future occurrences. The study will focus on three methods, which are interviews, observations, and focus groups.
Interviews
Interviews are used to collect data from individuals on a one-on-one basis. There are always a set of questions that can either be open-ended or closed, depending on the type of research. Therefore, some interviews can allow the interviewee to be free and ask questions based on their perceptions, but some are limited to specific responses, meaning the participants only answer what they have been asked. Interviews are prompt to be highly critical in research due to their in-depth and richer form of data, thus enabling researchers to collect adequate information from their participants to help conduct the study (Paradis et al., 2016). In addition, interviews can be used to understand a situation based on people’s personal experiences in a particular circumstance (Hammarberg et al., 2016).
Focus Group and Observations
Focus group discussions are used to collect data through a group of people. Interview questions are structured to be predetermined to give group responses and not individual experiences (Paradis et al., 2016). Focus group discussions are primarily used in cases of social phenomenon (Hammarberg et al., 2016). This helps researchers collect data based on an experienced situation of different people having the same views on a specific situation. On the other hand, observation is conducted differently. This is whereby researchers investigate an occurrence based on watching what people do, how they relate every day, and why they do things the way they do. This method is mainly done in research whereby documentation is mostly applicable, thus inquiring researchers to concentrate fully on the daily behavioral change of the people (Hammarberg et al., 2016).
Data collection methods are crucial in ensuring factual research findings and results. Therefore, it is upon the researchers to ensure they have enough evidence that supports why they have chosen a particular research method before using them in their study. The suitable data collection methods will lead to evidence-based and conclusive outcomes in research.
References
Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: when to use them and how to judge them. Human reproduction, 31(3), 498-501. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/31/3/498/2384737?login=true
Paradis, E., O’Brien, B., Nimmon, L., Bandiera, G., & Martimianakis, M. A. (2016). Design: Selection of data collection methods. Journal of graduate medical education, 8(2), 263-264.https://meridian.allenpress.com/jgme/article/8/2/263/34418/Design-Selection-of-Data Collection-Methods
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