Data Collection Techniques to Elicit Requirements - Essay Example

However, there are certain limitations of this method, for example, a large amount of qualitative data can be hard to analyze and it is extremely difficult to compare diverse respondents (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992).

Questionnaires

This is a significant data collection technique to elicit requirements. This method allows us to collect data and information quickly from a large number of people. Here we can easily manage this process remotely. This can also offer a great deal of support for collecting data about beliefs, attitudes, and characteristics. However, there are also certain problems with this method like that its simplistic (presupposed) categories offer a very small background. Here we also have no room for users to communicate their real requirements (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992).

Meetings

This data collection technique to elicit requirements is used for summarization as well as feedback. Here we can discuss the outcome of the data collection stage. This method also allows us to extract a set of requirements. We can use this data collection technique as a significant management tool. However, the scope of this technique is very limited (depending on the discussion) (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992).

Group Elicitation Techniques

This data collection technique to elicit requirements is based on the brainstorming and project team. This technique allows us to make use of more natural communication between people as compared to a formal interview. In this scenario, canto measures reaction to motivation materials (for example storyboards, mock-ups, etc.). This method has also some disadvantages for instance it is can create unnatural groups (uncomfortable intended for participants) (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992).

Participant Observation

In this data collection technique, we observe and spend time with the subjects. In this scenario, we spend a lot of time with the subject to become a member of the group. The main advantage is that it contextualizes and reveals particulars. However, this method is very time-consuming. The output of this method appears in the form of a rich picture that is hard to analyze (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992).

Preferred Method

There are numerous data collection techniques, and, in this paper, we have discussed some of the most important data collection techniques. I have assessed that each method is important in a particular context. But I will prefer to use interviews for data collection. In this technique, we directly interview the person for whom we are going to develop a system. Thus, it becomes easy to correctly elicit requirements.