This document discusses key concepts in data collection for quantitative research methods. It covers who the relevant population is, what type of data is needed to answer the research questions, where to find primary and secondary sources of data, when to conduct a census versus a sample, and why asking why is important for clarifying the research problem and approach. The 5 Ws and H technique is presented as a framework for defining the parameters of a data collection process, including who, what, where, when, why, and how. Primary data involves direct collection through methods like surveys and interviews, while secondary data has already been collected for another purpose and is usually more cost effective but potentially less adequate.

1. Managing Data
Quantitative Method

2. Data
Collection
• Data collection is the
process of gathering and
measuring information
on variables of interest,
in an established
systematic fashion that
enables one to answer
stated research
questions, test
hypotheses, and
evaluate outcomes.

3. Issues on data collection
• 5 Ws and H technique
who?, what?, where?, when?, why?
and how?

4. Who?
Who? Who is an important first question in any
problem. Data will always relate to a particular
group of people or set of items in time and we
use this concept to define the population we will
be
working with.

5. Population
•is defined as all
those people,
items or
organizations
of interest.

6. Exercises:
• 1 What is the relevant population to contact
regarding a new supermarket?
• 2 What is the relevant population to contact
regarding a new production process?

7. Having decided who, we must then
consider whether we need information
on all of them or just a selection.

8. Census vs
Sample

9. Census
• is defined as a
complete enumeration
of all those people,
items or organizations
of interest.

10. Sample
is just a
selection
from all those
people or
items of
interest.

11. What?
• What is asking for information specifying something.
• What data will depend on what we are trying to achieve. A
statement of objectives should be helpful. The more we seek
detail and description, the more likely we are to restrict general
coverage and seek in-depth information.

12. Primary Data vs Secondary Data

13. Primary Data
•Sources of primary data include
observation, group discussions and the
use of questionnaires.
Cons.Time Consuming, expensive.

14. Secondary Data
Secondary data, in contrast, has been collected for
some other purpose. It is usually available at
relatively low cost.
Cons. inadequate

15. Where?
Where to find the right kind of data when you need
it or where to find the people of interest when you
need them requires skill and knowledge.

16. Why?
Why? Why is always worth asking. It is seen as part of a
questioning approach that should lead to a greater
clarification of the problem situation and a justification of
approach.
why technique (try looking it up)by probing.