Primary and secondary methods for obtaining information
An important part of Human Resources Management (HRM) involves, wherever possible, justifying views on the subject using robust and credible evidence. This approach is called evidence-based HRM.
When conducting research projects HR professionals need to collect and review data which is relevant to their area of research. There are different types of data that are used in research projects and this paper will present primary and secondary methods for obtaining information.
Primary methods
Horn (2009) points out that primary data refers to information that has been collected for the study in which it is used. In this sense primary data is “new” in that it has not been captured by previous research projects.
Anderson (2009) and Bryman and Bell (2007) point out that research projects may typically make use of one or more data-collection methods. Based on their findings I produced the table below to show some characteristics of these methods:
METHOD + -
Surveys /
Questionnaires + Cheaper and faster to administrate
+ More convenient for respondents as they can complete when have time free - Difficult to ask complex questions
- Respondents might not answer specific questions
Interviews + Dig into specific details, opinions and views
+ Good to investigate small number of issues in a significant amount of detail - Time consuming
Focus group + Relevant when investigating tightly defined issues or concepts - One or two individuals might dominate the group discussions
Participant
observation + Allow observations of the realities for an extended period of time
+ Efficient for gathering data about practical problems - Observed individuals may modify their behaviour or conduct during time of observation
Secondary methods
Horn (2009) indicates that secondary data refers to information that have been included in or discovered through previous research projects or academic writing. In essence,
When conducting research projects HR professionals need to collect and review data which is relevant to their area of research. There are different types of data that are used in research projects and this paper will present primary and secondary methods for obtaining information.
Primary methods
Horn (2009) points out that primary data refers to information that has been collected for the study in which it is used. In this sense primary data is “new” in that it has not been captured by previous research projects.
Anderson (2009) and Bryman and Bell (2007) point out that research projects may typically make use of one or more data-collection methods. Based on their findings I produced the table below to show some characteristics of these methods:
METHOD + -
Surveys /
Questionnaires + Cheaper and faster to administrate
+ More convenient for respondents as they can complete when have time free - Difficult to ask complex questions
- Respondents might not answer specific questions
Interviews + Dig into specific details, opinions and views
+ Good to investigate small number of issues in a significant amount of detail - Time consuming
Focus group + Relevant when investigating tightly defined issues or concepts - One or two individuals might dominate the group discussions
Participant
observation + Allow observations of the realities for an extended period of time
+ Efficient for gathering data about practical problems - Observed individuals may modify their behaviour or conduct during time of observation
Secondary methods
Horn (2009) indicates that secondary data refers to information that have been included in or discovered through previous research projects or academic writing. In essence,
Bibliography: Studying Human Resources Management Stephen Taylor and Carol Woodhams, CIPD, 2012 DHRM 5 course notes, Westminster Kingsway College, 2013