What is the process in collecting information for research?

Data collection is a process of collecting information from all the relevant sources to find answers to the research problem, test the hypothesis (if you are following deductive approach) and evaluate the outcomes. Data collection methods can be divided into two categories: secondary methods of data collection and primary methods of data collection.

Secondary Data Collection Methods

Secondary data is a type of data that has already been published in books, newspapers, magazines, journals, online portals etc.  There is an abundance of data available in these sources about your research area in business studies, almost regardless of the nature of the research area. Therefore, application of appropriate set of criteria to select secondary data to be used in the study plays an important role in terms of increasing the levels of research validity and reliability.

These criteria include, but not limited to date of publication, credential of the author, reliability of the source, quality of discussions, depth of analyses, the extent of contribution of the text to the development of the research area etc. Secondary data collection is discussed in greater depth in Literature Review chapter.

Secondary data collection methods offer a range of advantages such as saving time, effort and expenses. However they have a major disadvantage. Specifically, secondary research does not make contribution to the expansion of the literature by producing fresh (new) data.

Primary Data Collection Methods

Primary data is the type of data that has not been around before. Primary data is unique findings of your research. Primary data collection and analysis typically requires more time and effort to conduct compared to the secondary data research. Primary data collection methods can be divided into two groups: quantitative and qualitative.

Quantitative data collection methods are based on mathematical calculations in various formats. Methods of quantitative data collection and analysis include questionnaires with closed-ended questions, methods of correlation and regression, mean, mode and median and others.

Quantitative methods are cheaper to apply and they can be applied within shorter duration of time compared to qualitative methods. Moreover, due to a high level of standardisation of quantitative methods, it is easy to make comparisons of findings.

Qualitative research methods, on the contrary, do not involve numbers or mathematical calculations. Qualitative research is closely associated with words, sounds, feeling, emotions, colours and other elements that are non-quantifiable.

Qualitative studies aim to ensure greater level of depth of understanding and qualitative data collection methods include interviews, questionnaires with open-ended questions, focus groups, observation, game or role-playing, case studies etc.

Your choice between quantitative or qualitative methods of data collection depends on the area of your research and the nature of research aims and objectives.

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A survey is a set of questions for research participants to answer. Surveys can be administered in person, through the mail, telephone or electronically (e-mail or Internet). A survey can be administered to an individual or in a group setting. Surveys are used to gain information about many individuals and may include multiple/forced choice or open-ended questions (e.g., demographics , health, knowledge, opinions, beliefs, attitudes or skills).

An interview is an interaction that involves the researcher and the participant(s) in which questions are presented in person, over the telephone or even electronically (email or Internet). During an interview, questions are asked to obtain detailed information from the participant about the topic under study. The questions may be similar to those asked in a survey.

A test is a form or a physical or mental task for which a normal standard has been determined or for which there are correct answers. A participant's performance on the test is then compared to these standards and/or correct answers. Tests are used in research to determine a participant's aptitude, skill, knowledge, health, or mental status as compared to the general population. Tests can be administered in person or through a paper or electronic medium. An example would be students taking a standardized test for academic achievement (e.g., SAT, MCAT, GRE).

Physiological assessments are measurements in which a participant's physical characteristics are evaluated such as blood pressure, heart rate, or physical strength. In health-related research, physiological assessment may be used to determine the participant's health status prior to, during, or after the completion of the study. An example would be older adults touching their toes to assess flexibility and reach.

Observations are recordings that are taken of the participant without requiring interaction. These recordings are made while participants are engaged in routine behaviors and are used as an indicator of what participants actually do rather than relying completely on self-reports of participants' behaviors. An example would be a researcher observing an ongoing lesson plan used in a classroom by a public school teacher.

Record reviews take place when the researcher examines and extracts information from documents that include information about the participant. Records that are reviewed in research may be either public or private. An example is a researcher collecting information about a disease from patient medical records.

Biological samples are substances (blood, urine, saliva) that are taken from an individual and used to measure physiological information. An example would be drawing blood to assess the sugar content in a diabetic patient.

No matter what kind of information is collected in a research study or how it is collected, it is extremely important to carry out the collection of the information with precision (i.e., reliability), accuracy (i.e., validity), and minimal error. The integrity and usefulness of the research may be compromised if the study measurements are not carried out correctly. Factors that contribute to effective information gathering are discussed in the next few sections.

What is the process of collecting information?

What is the process of data collection in research?

What is the process of collection of information in a site?

What is the process of collecting information from all the relevant sources to find answers to research problem test the hypotheses and evaluate the outcomes?