A good research is dependent on the kind of data collected, as such, it is important that a researcher acquires good data. Acquisition of good data is dependent on the type of techniques that are employed to acquire them. There are various methods used to collect data. There are qualitative and quantitative data collection methods used in research. Qualitative research methods answer the study questions that relate to ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the study. Qualitative methods use unstructured methods of data collection to explore the area under study. Quantitative research methods on the hand answer research questions related to ‘what' about the study. These methods apply a standard approach to collect data. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important that a researcher critically looks at what he hopes to achieve before choosing a particular method and ensuring that data collected will provide the required data for the study (My Peer Toolkit, n.d.).
The specific methods of data collection include surveys, interviews, and registration. Surveys are used to acquire a large amount of data. Administration of surveys can be done through a face to face interview by mail or electronically. Either channel has its strengths and weaknesses; electronically as well as those done via mail provide privacy how they do have a low response rate more so there is no in-depth investigation done. Questions in the survey can be open-ended or close-ended. Use of scales is common so as to assess the attitude of the respondent on the issue of discussion. Interviews are another form of data collection. Interviews can be conducted through a face to face interaction or through a telephone through the use of prepared questions. The interview is usually recorded and later transcribed. An interview can have open-ended questions or close-ended. The advantage of using interviews is the interviewer can probe more on answers given to get clarity on the issues raised. Complex issues arising during the interview can be clarified. Literacy is not an issue for this type of data collection method. One of the disadvantages of this method is it is expensive and time-consuming (Paradis et al., 2016).
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Another method of data collection is focus groups. Focus group discussions include gathering information from a group of people who sit and discuss issues with a moderator and a note taker. A group setting enables a researcher to get the experience of the participants and also read the reaction of the other participants to the experiences of other people. This type of method is crucial when it comes to understanding cultural and health issues and it enables the researcher to understand complex issues. Its disadvantages include a lack of privacy and it can be time-consuming.
Observations are another way of collecting data. It involves the use of the researcher’s senses to acquire data from the study population. Sight, hearing, touch, and smell are used to gather information (Harmon, Morgan, & Harmon, 2001). This method is vital for acquiring information on culture and relationships among other things. Content analysis to understand changes in organizational views as regards certain topics or area.
Examination of collected data is crucial because it enables the research to know whether they have acquired the information they needed. It also enables a researcher to identify gaps that may hinder them from getting the information that they need. Another reason for examining collected data is to identify errors to know whether they were made intentionally or not. It helps ensure quality assurance and quality control (ORI.HHS.gov, n.d). Statistics used in the field of criminal justice to inform decision making as well as policy research. Data in research is used to inform the development of programs that ensure the safety and general wellbeing of the population (Balaba, 2016).
References
Balaba, J. M. (2016). Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice Research. Journal of Civil & Legal Sciences . 5: 203. doi: 10.4172/2169-0170.1000203
Harmon, R. B., Morgan, G. A., Harmon, R. J. (2001). Data collection technique. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 1-4. 40, Issue 8, Pages 973–976. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-200108000-00020
My Peer Toolkit. (n.d). Data collection methods . Retrieved from http://mypeer.org.au/monitoring-evaluation/data-collection-methods/
ORI.HHS.gov. (n.d). Data collection . Retrieved from https://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/n_illinois_u/datamanagement/dctopic.html
Paradis, E., O’Brien, B., Nimmon, L., Bandiera, G., & Martimianakis, M. A. (Tina). (2016). Design: Selection of Data Collection Methods. Journal of Graduate Medical Education , 8(2), 263–264. http://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-16-00098.1
