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RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
Unit-2 Data Collection and Research Design
Miss Tanu Shree

2.  Research data is any information that has been collected, observed, generated
or created to validate original research findings.
 The process of gathering and analyzing accurate data from various sources to
find answers to research problems, trends and probabilities, etc., to evaluate
possible outcomes is Known as Data Collection.
 During data collection, the researchers must identify the data types, the
sources of data, and what methods are being used. We will soon see that there
are many different data collection methods.
 data collection is the process of gathering, measuring, and analyzing accurate
data from a variety of relevant sources to find answers to research problems,
answer questions, evaluate outcomes, and forecast trends and probabilities.
Meaning of Data and Data
Collection

3. Primary Data
 Primary data is the data that is collected for the first time through
personal experiences or evidence, particularly for research. It is also
described as raw data or first-hand information. The mode of
assembling the information is costly, as the analysis is done by an
agency or an external organization, and needs human resources and
investment. The investigator supervises and controls the data collection
process directly.
 The data is mostly collected through observations, physical testing,
mailed questionnaires, surveys, personal interviews, telephonic
interviews, case studies, and focus groups, etc.
Types of Data

4. Secondary Data
 Secondary data is a second-hand data that is already collected and
recorded by some researchers for their purpose, and not for the
current research problem. It is accessible in the form of data collected
from different sources such as government publications, censuses,
internal records of the organisation, books, journal articles, websites
and reports, etc.
 This method of gathering data is affordable, readily available, and
saves cost and time. However, the one disadvantage is that the
information assembled is for some other purpose and may not meet
the present research purpose or may not be accurate.

6. Interview Method
 Interview method is the most popular method for collecting primary data. It is widely
used in every fields or sectors. The interview technique is one of the important and
powerful tool for collecting the primary data in social research.
 It is a direct method of data collection. The interview technique can be used through
personal interviews and through telephone interviews.
Merits of Interview Method
 More accurate information can be obtained.
 Personal information can as well be obtained easily under this method.
 Due to personal presence of the interviewer, there is flexibility in the inquiry.
 Additional supplementary information can also be obtained.
 The interviewer can usually control which person will answer the questions.
Sources of Primary Data

7. Demerits of Interview Method
 It is a very expensive method, specially when large and widely spread geographical sample is
taken.
 There remains the possibility of the bias of interviewer as well as that of the respondent.
 This method is relatively more-time consuming, specially when the sample is large.
 Certain types of respondents may not give true answers to the questions.
 The presence of the interviewer on the spot may over-stimulate the respondent.

8. Questionnaire Method
A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a set of questions or other
types of prompts that aims to collect information from a respondent. A research
questionnaire is typically a mix of close-ended questions and open-ended
questions.
Merits of Questionnaire Method
It save the time of the Researcher
Less Expensive
Requires less Manpower
No Personal Bias
Data can be collected over a Large Area
Ideal Method for the Respondent who are Introvert

9. Demerits of Questionnaire Method
Low Degree of Reliability
Respondents must be Literate
Non Response
Incomplete Answer
Bias/Untruthfulness of Respondents
Only Simple Minded Questions can be asked

10. Observation Method
Observational research is a research technique where you observe participants and phenomena in
their most natural settings. This enables researchers to see their subjects make choices and react to
situations in their natural setting, as opposed to structured settings like research labs or focus
groups.
Merits of Observation Method
Simplest Method
Useful for Framing Hypothesis
Universal Method
Immediate detection of problems
No need of Equipment or Tool
Provides direct Information

11. Demerits of Observation Method
Less Accuracy
Biased
Language Barrier
Difficult to Analyse
Cultural Barrier
Researcher is needed to wait for the incident and behaviour

12. Experiment Method
The experimental method involves manipulating one variable to determine if this causes changes
in another variable. This method relies on controlled research methods and random assignment
of study subjects to test a hypothesis.
Experimental research helps a researcher gather the necessary data for making better research
decisions and determining the facts of a research study.
Merits of Experiment Method
Ability to manipulate Independent Variable
Use of Control Groups
Control of Extraneous Variables
Replication possible
Best establish Cause and Effect Relationship

13. Demerits of Experiment Method
Artificiality of Labs
Non- Representative Sample
Expensive
Less Feasible

14.  Research design is a blueprint of a scientific study. It includes research
methodologies, tools, and techniques to conduct the research. It helps
to identify and address the problem that may rise during the process
of research and analysis.
 Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques
chosen by a researcher to conduct a study. The design allows
researchers to sharpen the research methods suitable for the subject
matter and set up their studies for success.
Features of a Good Research Design
 Reliability
 Replicability
 Validity
 Generalizability
 Objectivity
Research Design

15. Correlational Research Design
Diagnostic Research Design
Descriptive Research Design
Exploratory Research Design
Experimental Research Design
Types of Research Design

16. Correlational Research Design
A correlational research design investigates relationships between variables
without the researcher controlling or manipulating any of them. A
correlation reflects the strength and/or direction of the relationship between
two (or more) variables. The direction of a correlation can be either positive
or negative.
A correlation coefficient ranges from -1 to +1. A correlation coefficient of +1
indicates a perfect positive correlation whereas a correlation coefficient of -
1 indicates a perfect negative correlation between two variables.
Experimental Research Design
Experimental design is the process of carrying out research in an objective
and controlled fashion so that precision is maximized and specific
conclusions can be drawn regarding a hypothesis statement. Generally, the
purpose is to establish the effect that a factor or independent variable has
on a dependent variable.

18. Diagnostic Research Design
Diagnostic research design is a type of research design that seeks to
identify the underlying cause of a certain condition or phenomenon. It
is used to evaluate the frequency with which something occurs and its
interaction with other elements.
Descriptive Research Design
Descriptive research design is a type of research design that aims to
systematically obtain information to describe a phenomenon, situation, or
population. More specifically, it helps answer the what, when, where, and
how questions regarding the research problem rather than the why.

19. Exploratory Research Design
Exploratory research design is conducted for a research problem when the
researcher has no past data or only a few studies for reference. Sometimes
this research is informal and unstructured. It serves as a tool for initial
research that provides a hypothetical or theoretical idea of the research
problem.