Data Collection Methods
Factors that influence the selection of data collection instruments
Data Collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. Inaccurate data collection can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results. Data collection methods for impact evaluation vary along a continuum. At the one end of this continuum are quantitative methods and at the other end of the continuum are Qualitative methods for data collection.
A data collection instrument is a tool for monitoring or measuring an activity, behaviour or phenomena. It can be used to measure status, progress, shortcomings, performance, achievement, attitudes, or other particular attributes of the objects to be analysed.
The most common data collection instruments include the questionnaire, interview guides, direct observation,
The following factors influence the selection of data collection instruments: 1. Utility
Under the utility the purpose and use of data collection should be considered: If the researcher seek a point-in-time determination of a behavior, or to examine the range and variety of experiences, or to tell an in-depth story. Another criteria under the utility, is the users of data collection and will some methods make the data more credible with skeptics or key users?
2. Feasibility
Sometimes the ideal method isn’t feasible due to time or monetary constraints and the data collector or the researcher should focus on the Resources available and this would help him Which methods can you afford. On the Time aspect he would ask himself how long until the results are needed.
The last criteria to be given attention is the background of the researcher if he/she is trained in the method, or will you need help from an outside consultant.
3. Propriety
A very important aspect in selecting the data collection instrument is the Characteristics of the respondents: Will issues such as literacy or language make some methods preferable to
Data Collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. Inaccurate data collection can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results. Data collection methods for impact evaluation vary along a continuum. At the one end of this continuum are quantitative methods and at the other end of the continuum are Qualitative methods for data collection.
A data collection instrument is a tool for monitoring or measuring an activity, behaviour or phenomena. It can be used to measure status, progress, shortcomings, performance, achievement, attitudes, or other particular attributes of the objects to be analysed.
The most common data collection instruments include the questionnaire, interview guides, direct observation,
The following factors influence the selection of data collection instruments: 1. Utility
Under the utility the purpose and use of data collection should be considered: If the researcher seek a point-in-time determination of a behavior, or to examine the range and variety of experiences, or to tell an in-depth story. Another criteria under the utility, is the users of data collection and will some methods make the data more credible with skeptics or key users?
2. Feasibility
Sometimes the ideal method isn’t feasible due to time or monetary constraints and the data collector or the researcher should focus on the Resources available and this would help him Which methods can you afford. On the Time aspect he would ask himself how long until the results are needed.
The last criteria to be given attention is the background of the researcher if he/she is trained in the method, or will you need help from an outside consultant.
3. Propriety
A very important aspect in selecting the data collection instrument is the Characteristics of the respondents: Will issues such as literacy or language make some methods preferable to
References: (http://www.worldbank.org/poverty/impact/methods/datacoll.htm