Data Collection Tools, Methods, and Challenges - Essay Example

Data Collection Tools, Methods, and Challenges Part 1 Introduction Data collection refers to a systematic process of selecting, measuring and gathering information on certain variables of interest with the sole purpose of testing research hypotheses, answering research questions and evaluating the outcome. This process is mandatory in both qualitative and quantitative research is common to all fields of study including social sciences, business, physical sciences, applied sciences and humanities. Even though the methodology used in study vary according to the aim of specific study, emphasis must be put on ensuring that honest and accurate collection of data is achieved and maintained. Qualitative and quantitative research techniques are designed for different audiences: policymakers both in private and in government, funding agencies, academicians, various stakeholders and project clients. The following is a discussion of various tools of data collection in both qualitative and quantitative research and challenges faced in each. Data Collection Tools Used In Qualitative Research Qualitative research interview is one of the most commonly utilized data collection tool in qualitative research. Qualitative research interviews can be categorized as structured, semi-structured and in-depth. According to Holloway (2005), the aim of a qualitative research interview is to find out, in the perspective of the insider, their thoughts, feelings, perceptions and feelings. Interviews are flexible and very effective tools when there is need to reveal information on how a single individual views the world. The only challenge with use of interview as a tool of collecting qualitative research data is that it is time consuming thus there is need for preparation, transcription and scheduling for interview. Focus group is the second tool and it refers to a group discussion often on a particular topic that has been organized for purposes of research and is monitored, guided and recorded by a facilitator, researcher or moderator. Unlike qualitative research interviews, focus groups are best used when researcher wants to generate information on the collective views of a group and what such views mean in real sense (Onwuegbuzie et al 2009). It is time effective but less flexible since the focus group may influence the result from shy individuals within the group. The dynamics of the individuals may also interfere with accurate and complete data (Onwuegbuzie et al, 2009). Data Collection Tools Used In Quantitative Research A standardized test is one of the commonly used tools in quantitative data collection and refers to tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner. The design of a standardized test is in such a way that the conditions in which tests are administered, questions, procedure for scoring, as well as interpretations are “standard”. These tests are also administered and scored in a predetermined and a standardized manner. Generally, any test in which a single test is administered in the same manner to all candidates is referred to as a standardized test. Holloway (2005) stated that “Standardized tests are also questionnaires, but consist of multiple questions to measure an underlying construct and have been tested for psychometric properties.” Standardized tests are recommended as a data collection tool especially when concepts being measured is not directly observable. Standardized tests are fairer and have highest level of consistency which is more reliable when it comes to comparing outcomes across all tests. However, this data collection tool is often expensive especially when collecting data from a bigger sample. It is also important to note that tests may be biased or not be appropriate for a unique population or locals. Questionnaire is the second data collection tool in quantitative research. Quantitative Questionnaire refers to a means of eliciting beliefs, perceptions, feelings, attitudes and experiences of a sample. It is a data collecting tool and can either be structured or unstructured questionnaire. Questionnaires are often designed concisely and with preplanned set of questions with the main objective of meeting a specific need for research information about a pertinent. It is an effective data collection tool used in gathering information about a subject. This tool used in data collection is very economical since the time and funds used in training and sending interviewers is reduced. This tool of data collection is also more effective in comparable data since each respondent is subjected to the same set of questions that are phrased the same way. Questionnaires can become standardized if the conditions upon which structured questions are answered are controlled (Holloway, 2005). However, the validity of this data collection tool can be compromised since it is difficult to motivate the respondents. This tool is also prone to biased data especially if a random sampling of returns is obtained. Strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research Qualitative research is a method of inquiry often used in social sciences and other disciplines in order to gain an in-depth knowledge of the behavior of human and understand what govern such behavior. As stated by Holloway (2005), qualitative research aim is to find “how” and “why” of a certain decision making and not merely “where”, “what” and “when” hence the choice of data collection tool is very important. There are several tools used in qualitative research data collection such interviews, focus groups, observations, field notes, reflective journals among others. Quantitative research often attempt to test hypothesis with the sole objective of generalizing from the data collected. This type of research involves and concentrates on counting or measuring thus involves collecting and analyzing numerical data through the application of statistical tests. Quantitative research data should be derived in a way that is independent of expectations of the person collecting the data thus the data should be a true representation of the phenomenon. As stated by Onwuegbuzie et al (2009), experimental and descriptive are the only two approaches to answering quantitative research questions. A “tool” refers to the equipment that is used to collect data and in quantitative research, various tools exists including scaled questionnaires, codified forms and standardized tests for this research method.. Mixed Methods of research Mixed method of data collection is a methodology of research that involves gathering, analyzing and integrating qualitative and quantitative data in a single study. As stated by Onwuegbuzie et al (2009), integration of both qualitative and quantitative methods assists researchers in developing good understanding of the research problem. It is therefore important to note that in a mixed method researchers, both quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analyzed in a single multiple phase project. Mixed method of research do not only answer research question from different perspectives but also leads to greater validity emanating from variation in data collection. Mixed research also ensures that there are no gaps in to the information being sought or the data collected thus ensures that preexisting assumptions are less likely (Onwuegbuzie et al, 2009) Part 2 Ethical, political, or procedural challenges Potential inversion to the privacy of other people could present the most serious ethical challenges to filed researchers . According to Kimmel (2007), privacy refers to “the freedom of the individual to pick and choose for himself the time and circumstances under which, and most importantly, the extent to which, his attitudes, beliefs, behavior and opinions are to be shared with or withheld from others”. The United Nations have also specified the right to privacy which is also exhausted in many American and European ethical codes of research and professional standards. Potential invasion to privacy is therefore an ethical challenge especially when conducting field research. Research on vulnerable groups presents another ethical challenge. Vulnerable groups are defined as people with mental problems, children and people with learning disabilities. As a social researcher, I would seek clearance from ethics committees which request for special considerations for these minorities since they have problems in providing initial and continued consent to conduct research. This concern is a challenge since it forces a researcher to adopt and maintain complicated procedures and methodologies in order to protect the interests of such vulnerable groups. Conducting research in developing countries where societies are mostly pluralistic, security and cultural background are often important issues to consider by a social researcher. These cannot only lead to delay in finding letters of permission from the authorities but may also lead to high cost of research in time of finances and time. Social researcher may have difficulty in obtaining the mandatory ethical behavior approval to collect data by questionnaire or interview because the environment upon which data is supposed to be collected is hostile. This concern could arise from topics relating to sensitive issues concerning security or culture (Kimmel, 2007). The other issue concerns the procedure applied in research especially when the researcher is also a participant observer. The main issue here is that a researcher should be neutral and if the researcher plays the role of a participant they may not be able to maintain their aim of “objectivity” in research. As stated by Leadbeater (2006), where researcher is also a participant, they develop and maintain a close relation with the community within they are conducting research which may lead to conflict and deception. Informed consent is another challenge that may interfere with qualitative research data collection. According to Leadbeater (2006), prospective participants in either qualitative or quantitative research must know to what extent they are agreeing. While it is not possible to anticipate everything that will take place in a qualitative research process, prior to giving consent, participants need to be aware of the steps involved. These include; the potential risks and benefits, actions taken to reduce risks and increase benefits and to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Conclusions Qualitative and quantitative data collection tools and research techniques in general provide a tradeoff between depth and breadth and between targeting to certain population and generalizability. Data collected through quantitative tools often used yield a more accurate and objective information since they are collected using standardized methods that can be replicated. While qualitative research procedures are more suitable for obtaining formative evaluations, quantitative research data can be analyzed using sophisticated statistical techniques thus suitable for summative evaluations. However, all data collection tools and procedures whether qualitative or quantitative, works within the context of a cultural, social and political set up thus is influenced to some extent by the beliefs and perceptions of data collectors. These contexts also present various challenges to the researcher or investigator conducting the study. References Holloway, I. (2005). Qualitative Research in Health Care. Maidenhead, England: Open University Press. Kimmel, A. J. (2007). Ethical Issues in Behavioral Research : Basic and Applied Perspectives. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Pub Leadbeater, B. (2006). Ethical Issues in Community-based Research with Children and Youth. Toronto: University of Toronto Press Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Dickinson, W. B., Leech, N. L., & Zoran, A. G. (2009). A Qualitative Framework for Collecting and Analyzing Data in Focus Group Research. International Journal Of Qualitative Methods, 8(3), 1-21 Read More