This document discusses choosing an appropriate data collection method for research. It outlines that there are many options for data collection, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most important initial decision is whether to use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach. Qualitative methods like interviews and focus groups provide descriptive insights while quantitative methods like surveys and experiments provide numerical data. The document considers factors like resources, participants, and research questions when selecting a method. It also provides examples of issues to consider for specific methods like interviews and questionnaires.

1. CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE DATA
COLLECTION METHOD
Dr Christine Coombe
Dubai Men’s College

2. THE OPTIONS
 Data collection methods are wide and varied
 None are better than others
 Each has advantages and disadvantages
 Each is context dependent

3. THE PROCESS OF DATA COLLECTION
 All methods require rigorous and systematic design
and execution that includes:
 Thorough planning
 Well considered development
 Effective piloting
 Weighed modification
 Deliberate implementation and execution
 Appropriate management and analysis
 O’Leary (2005)

4. BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
 When deciding on a data collection method,
consider:
 The skills set of your participants/subjects
 The literacy level of your participants/subjects
 How much time you have available
 How many people you have access to
 How much money you have to spend

5. YOUR PRIMARY DECISION
 When choosing a method your most important
decision is what type of research methodology you
should use
 Qualitative
 Quantitative
 Mixed methods

6. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
 Qual research provides rich (deep) descriptive
information and insights into characteristics and
choices.
 Focus is on ‘word’ data (both spoken & written)
 Provides depth of information
 Studies motivation
 Asks ‘why?’

7. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
 Is subjective in nature
 Enables discovery
 Is exploratory
 Allows insights into behavior, trends etc.
 Interprets

8. DATA COLLECTION METHODS IN QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
 Focus groups
 Interviews
 Semi structured
 Unstructured
 Observations
 Environmental scans
 Ethnography

9. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
 Quan Research provides numbers, frequencies, %,
and rates.
 Focus is on ‘numerical’ data
 Measures level of occurrence
 Asks ‘how many?’ or ‘how often?’
 Studies action
 Is objective
 Describes

10. DATA COLLECTION METHODS IN
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
 Questionnaires/surveys
 Experiments
 Structured interviews

11. MIXED METHODS RESEARCH
 For many experts it is the recommended ideal as it
combines both qualitative & quantitative

12. EIGHT ISSUES TO CONSIDER (BAXTER,
HUGHES & TIGHE, 1998)
 What do you need or want to find out?
 What skills do you have?
 Will your methodological preferences answer your
questions?
 How will your methods affect the answers you get?
 How will you affect your research?
 Will you use more than one method?
 Will your method allow for changes in direction?

13. LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
 Qualitative
 Interviews
 Semi-structured
 Unstructured
 Issues to consider
 Who, where, what to ask, how to record data
 Anonymity and confidentiality concerns

14. LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
 Quantitative
 Questionnaires
 Issues to consider
 What to ask
 Question types
 How to administer survey (F2F, online)
 Sampling techniques
 Anonymity and confidentiality

15. PRESENTER CONTACT
 Dr Christine Coombe
 ccoombe@hct.ac.ae