Data Collection in the Literature - Essay Example

In this paper, I explore qualitative two research articles and discuss their data collection approaches relative to quantitative research approaches, and the articles’ possible contribution to my proposed research. I also report on an observation exercise and my experience choosing qualitative research methodologies. One of the considered research articles in unit 2 is the article on research to investigate domestic violence and substance abuse as overlapping issues from different scopes by Humphreys, Thiara and Regan.

The researchers applied a mixed methodological approach that analyzed qualitative and quantitative data. Data collection was further undertaken in different phases. The first stage in data collection applied semi structured interviews to retrieve data from participants. Data was collected from a diversified sample that included former victims of domestic violence, individuals from a group of perpetrators of the violence who were then under rehabilitation programs, and people from groups that offered substance abuse services.

Other participants included a commercial sex worker, policy makers, and researchers. The participants were then asked of their “knowledge of substance use and domestic violence” (Humphreys, Thiara and Regan, 2005, p. 14). Participants were further asked to identify possible association between the two issues, and relevant measures and demographic factors to the issues. The research’s subsequent phases also used questionnaires that were administered through different approaches. Some participants were directly approached, informed of the data capture method and allowed to fill questionnaires while other questionnaires were just left at strategic places with notices about the research, and willing individuals participated (Humphreys, Thiara and Regan, 2005).

Another considered article in unit 2 was Collins and Spencer’s report on