This document discusses data collection tools, techniques, and methods. It provides definitions of data and describes the different types of data. The key steps in data collection are identified as constructing tools, deciding on techniques, testing tools through pilot studies, finalizing tools and techniques, and actual data collection. Important factors that influence the choice of data collection methods are also outlined.

1. Manoj Patel
Assistant Professor
Jhunjhunwala Business School
Data Collection
{Tools, Techniques, Methods}

2. What is DATA?
Informatio
n
Statistics
Figures
Numbers
Facts
Records

3. What does web say about data??
 a collection of facts from which conclusions may be
drawn; "statistical data”
(wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
 The term data means groups of information that
represent the qualitative or quantitative attributes of
a variable or set of variables(en.wikipedia.org/wiki)
 information; A collection of object-units that are
distinct from one another. (en.wiktionary.org/wiki/data)
 Data is Information that has been organised and
categorised for a pre-determined purpose.
(news.miuegypt.edu.eg/index.php)

4. What does web say about data??
 In computer science, data is anything in a form
suitable for use with a computer. Data is often
distinguished from programs. A program is a set of
instructions that detail a task for the computer to perform.
In this sense, data is thus everything that is not program
code. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_(computing))
 are the smallest units of measure. The word is
technically the plural of datum but often used as a
singular. Data are the components of information. They
may be the 1's and 0's of computer memory, names and
addresses in a demographic file, or the raw facts and
figures before interpretation.
(home.earthlink.net/~ddstuhlman/defin1.htm)

5. Types of Data
PRIMARY
 Collected by
researcher first hand
 Demands efforts and
resources
 Depends upon the
researcher’s ability
and clarity of
purpose
SECONDARY
 Collected by someone else
but used by researcher
second hand
 Cheaper and quicker
 Needs lesser resources
 Have to ascertain accuracy of
content/time/sources/
purpose/methods/
adequacy/ credibility
 Various sources/forms

6. Data Collection…steps
 Construction of tools for data collection
 Decision about techniques of data collection
 Testing the tool/technique by Pilot study or
Pre-testing of tool/technique
 Finalization of tool/technique
 Ascertaining reliability and validity of
tools/techniques to be used for data collection
 Actual collection of data

7. Data collection tools & techniques
TOOLS
 Questionnaire
 Interview schedule
 Observation schedule
 Scales
 Tests
 Inventory, Checklist,
Opinionnaire
 Sociogram/Sociometry
TEHNIQUES
 Questioning: Written,
Oral
 Interviewing: Face to
face, Telephonic,
Electronic/Net, Group,
Video
 Observation
 Projective Techniques
 Panel Methods (Diary,
Checklist, Logs etc.)

8. Factors influencing decision about data
collection Tool/Technique/Method
 Scale and magnitude of the study
 Characteristics of the respondents
 Unit of inquiry and analysis
 Availability of resources: Money, Time,
Human, Technical, Competence
 Field Conditions
 Subject under study
 Expected outcome
 Degree of precision/reliability required

9. Decisions about data collection Method
 Settings: Natural – Contrived/Artificial
 Inquiry: Obstructive/Undisguised –
Unobstructive/Disguised
 Nature: Qualitative – Quantitative
 Structure:
Structured – Semi structured – Unstructured
 Questions: Open ended – Closed ended
 Administration: Human – Mechanical
 Analysis: Pre coded – Not coded

10. Data comes through….
Tools & Techniques
METHOD
Procedure

11. Framing of Questions…
 Length of a question/tool
 Language, Sequence, Style
 Objective of asking (measuring what?)
 Structural issues:
Embarrassing/personalisation,
Leading/Directive, Assumptions/presumptions,
Hypothetical/ambiguous, median replies,
Loaded/ Inbuilt coercion-forced, Double
barreled, Double negatives

12. When you collect Data…YOU must-
Record time (time of the day/date/
month/year) when you collected it
Total time (number of days/months/
years) it took to collect it along with field
note for each response
Procedure you followed to collect it
Average time per respondent/unit
Experiences you had collecting it

13. Right Question…?!
United Nations conducted a Worldwide survey. The
question asked was:
"Would you please give your honest opinion about
solutions to the food shortage in the rest of the world?"
The survey was a huge failure.
Africa didn't know what 'food' meant, India didn't
know what 'honest' meant, Europe didn't know what
'shortage' meant, China didn't know what 'opinion'
meant, the Middle East didn't know what 'solution'
meant, South America didn't know what 'please' meant,
And in the USA they didn't know what 'the rest of the
world' meant !!

14. Good DATA depends upon…
 Clarity of purpose/objectives of the study
 Appropriateness of tool/technique
 Sharpness of the tool and abilities of
investigator/researcher in using the
techniques
 Cooperation/rapport with the
respondents
 Decisions about utilization at analysis
stage