Chapter 6 Research methods

Research Methods Chapter 6 Hala I.
Zaidan
Chapter 6: Data collection methods

Sources of data
1-Primary Data: refer to information obtained first hand by the researcher on the
variable of interest for the specific purpose of study. For example, focus group and
panel, observing events or people and questionnaires.
*Data gathered for research from the actual site of occurrence of event.
2-Secondary Data: refer to information gathered from sources already existing, for
example, records for archives, government publication, industry aanalysis offered by the
website, media and Internet.
Primary Sources (Focus groups, Panel, Unobtrusive measures)
Focus group: consist of (8-10) members with a moderator leading a discussion for
about 2 hours on a particular topic. Members are generally chosen on the basis of their
expertise in the topic on which the information is gathered. The aim of focus groups are
obtaining respondents impressions, interpretations ,and opinions, as the members take
about the event, concept, product or service.
• Focus groups are relatively inexpensive and can provide fairly dependable data
within a short time frame.
• The moderator introduces the topics, observes, and takes notes and/or tapes the
discussion.
• The moderator never becomes an integral part of the discussion.
Focus groups are used to:

1. Exploratory study.
2. making generalization based on the information generated by them.
3. Conducting sample surveys.
Panels: panels are sources of the primary information for research purpose and are used
to study the problems over a period of time. And panels like focus group but it meets
more than once. Individual are randomly chosen (There are two types of panels static
and dynamic).
A continuing set of "experts" serves as the sample base or the sounding board for
assessing the effects of change. Such expert members compose the panel; the research
that uses them is called a panel study.
Data collection methods
• Interviewing: is one method of collecting data. In this method we interview the

respondents to obtain information on the issues of interest.
• Unstructured interviews:
1. The interviewer does not set planned sequence of questions to be
asked of the respondents
2. It helps the researcher to determine the variables that need greater
focus and consider relevant to the problem want to be investigation.
1
Research Methods Chapter 6 Hala I. Zaidan
3. The researches interview employees at several levels and the type and
nature of the questions asked to individuals vary according to job levels
and type of work done by them.
• Structured Interviews:
1. The researcher has a list of predetermined questions to be asked of the
respondents.
2. The researcher knows in the beginning that central the board problem
area and the questions focus on variables consider relevant to the
problem.
3. The same questions will be asked of every body in the same manner to
obtain a probable response.
We can conduct the interview by;

1. Face to face or
2. Computer assisted interview.
• Questionnaires: is a pre-formulated written set of questions to which

respondents record their answers and are an efficient data collection when the
researcher knows exactly what is required and how to measure the variables of
interest. Questionnaires can be administered personally, mailed to the
respondents, or electronically distributed.
The characteristics of questionnaires are:

1. The language and wording of questionnaires should be easily understanding
by the respondents.
2. It's advisable to include negatively questions to least one question in
questions to ensure that respondents remain alert while answering the
questions.
3. It is best not to ask the name of respondents in the questions in the
questionnaires and assurance of confidentiality of the information provided
by the researcher which help the decrease biased answers.
4. The researcher must explain the purpose from the questionnaire and explain
the questions involve it.
5. The questionnaire must be measured by reliability & validity.
Personally administered (when the survey is conducted within the local area)
Advantages:
1. Establish rapport & motivate respondents.
2. Clarify doubts.
3. Less expensive when administrated to group of respondents.
4. Almost 100% response rate ensured.
5. Anonymity of respondent is high.
Disadvantages:
1- It is expensive, especially if the sample is geographically dispersed.
MAIL QUESTIONNAIRE
Advantages:
1- Anonymity is high.
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Research Methods Chapter 6 Hala I. Zaidan
2- Wide geographic are reached

3- Token gifts can be enclosed to seek compliance.
4- Respondent can take more time to respond at convenience.
5- Can be administered electronically, if desired.
Disadvantages:
1- Response rate is almost always low; a 30% rate is acceptable.
2- Cannot clarify questions.
3- Follow-up procedures for nonresponses are necessary.
ELECTRONIC QUESTIONNAIRE
Advantages:
1- Easy to administer.
2- Can reach globally.
3- Very inexpensive.
4- Fast delivery.
5- Respondent can take more time to respond at convenience.
Disadvantages:
1- Computer literacy is a must.
2- Respondent must have access to the facility.
3- Respondent must be willing to complete the survey.
OBSERVATIONAL SURVEY
It is one method to collect data without asking questions of respondent and in
this method the researcher observe the body language of the individuals under
study, like the movements, work habits, facial expression and body language.

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Research Methods Chapter 6 Hala I.

Chapter 6: Data collection methods

Primary Sources (Focus groups, Panel, Unobtrusive measures)

Focus groups are used to:

Data collection methods

• Interviewing: is one method of collecting data. In this method we interview the

We can conduct the interview by;

• Questionnaires: is a pre-formulated written set of questions to which

The characteristics of questionnaires are:

2- Wide geographic are reached

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