This document provides an overview of data collection methods for research. It discusses primary and secondary sources of data, as well as various methods for collecting each type. For secondary data, common sources include published books, articles, and online sources. Primary data is collected directly by the researcher through methods like surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, and case studies. Both primary and secondary data collection have benefits like saving time and money, but also drawbacks like inappropriate or incomplete data. The document concludes with examples of structured interviews and questionnaires that could be used for primary data collection.

1. RESEARCH METHODS
PRESENTATION
ON
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
BY
E.S. OKAI

2. INTRO : WHAT IS DATA
Data is a raw information recorded, observations that are usually presented in a structured
format, or
A representation of facts or ideas in a formalized manner capable of being communicated or
manipulated by some process.
The source of data determines the data collection methods to use.

3. INTRO CONTD..
The first recordings of
information. They are complete
and accurate and are collected by
the researcher himself for specific
purpose.
Primary data which is generated
may be qualitative in nature – in
words or
Quantitative - in the form of
numbers
Primary
source of
data
The documented and
published summaries of
information or qualitative and
quantitative data and can be
used in descriptive research.
They are mostly used in case
study and survey type research
within business management
research.
1 documentary secondary data
2 survey based secondary data
3. Multi sources
Secondary
source of
data

4. DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Data collection is a process of collecting information from all the relevant sources to find
answers to the research problem, test the hypothesis and evaluate the outcomes. Data
collection methods can be divided into two categories: secondary methods of data
collection and primary methods of data collection.

5. 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.

6. MERITS AND DEMERITS OF SECONDARY DATA
COLLECTIONS
MERITS DEMERITS
• The first advantage of using secondary data (SD) has
always been the saving of time
• Accessibility. In the past, SD was often confined to
libraries or particular institutions. Top of that, not always
general public gained access. But now having an internet
connection is frequently the only requirement to access. A
simple click is sometimes more than enough to obtain vast
amount of information needed for a particular research.
• SD saves money as compared to primary data(Ghauri,
2005). In general, it is much less expensive than other
ways of collecting data. One may analyze larger data sets
• Inappropriateness of the data.
• Data collected by oneself (primary data) is collected with
a concrete idea in mind.
• Usually to answer a research question or just meet certain
objectives.
• In this sense, secondary data sources may provide you
with vast amount of information, but quantity is not
synonymous of appropriateness. This is simply because it
has been collected to answer a different research question
or objectives

7. PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Primary data collection method is a data observed or collected directly from first-hand experience and can be divided into
two groups such as Quantitative and Qualitative.
Quantitative data collection This method is based in mathematical calculations in various formats. Methods of quantitative
data collection and analysis include questionnaires with closed-ended questions, methods of correlation and regression,
etc. 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.

8. PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION METHODS..CONTD
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, case studies etc.

9. PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES/TOOL
Observations • Allows for the study of the dynamics of
a situation, frequency counts of target
behaviors, or other behaviors as indicated
by needs of the evaluation
• Good source for providing additional
information about a particular group, can
use video to provide documentation
• Can produce qualitative (e.g., narrative
data) and quantitative data (e.g., frequency
counts, mean length of interactions, and
instructional time)
Visit to the banking halls to ascertain from
customers and the banks on the impact of
the recapitalization in case the banks are
unable to meet the deadline by December
2018
Focus Groups
• A facilitated group interview with
individuals that have something in
common.
• Gathers information about combined
perspectives and opinions
• Responses are often coded into
categories and analysed mathematically
Eg. A group of parents of teenagers in an
after-school program are invited to
informally discuss programs that might
benefit and help their children succeed

10. PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES…CONTD
Oral History, and Case Studies
. Involves studying a single phenomenon
• Examines people in their natural
settings
• Uses a combination of techniques such
as observation, interviews, and surveys
• Ethnography is a more holistic
approach to evaluation
• Researcher can become a confounding
variable
Eg. Shadowing Unibank and recording
extensive field not to study the
insolvency issues associated with the
bank and BOG’s impact on
recapitalization on the rest of the
commercial banks
Documents and Records
• Consists of examining existing data in
the form of databases, meeting minutes,
reports, attendance logs, financial
records, newsletters, etc.
. This can be an inexpensive way to
gather information but may be an
incomplete data source
Eg. To understand the primary reasons
why some banks may not be able to meet
the Ghø 400,000.00 capitalization by
December 2018

11. PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES/TOOL…CONTD
Techniques
Interviews
. Interviews can be conducted in person or over
the telephone
• Interviews can be done formally (structured),
semi-structured, or informally
• Questions should be focused, clear, and
encourage open-ended responses
• Interviews are mainly qualitative in nature
One-on-one conversation with banks
(bankers)on the effect of BOG capitalization on
commercial banks. The effects on the banks
bankers and the customers at large.
Questionnaires and Surveys
.Responses can be analysed with quantitative
methods by assigning numerical values to like
type scales
• Results are generally easier (than qualitative
techniques) to analyse .
• Pretest/Post-test can be compared and analyzed
Results of a satisfaction survey or opinion
survey

12. …EXAMPLE OF STRUCTURED INTERVIEW
Qualitative
interview
One to One
Face to face
interview
Telephone
One to
Many
Focus
Group
interview

13. 6. Questionnaires
Questionnaires
Self administered On-line
questionnaires
Delivery & collection
of Collection
Postal Questionnaire
Interview
administered
Telephone
Questionnaires
Structure
questionnaire

14. DELPHI TECHNIQUE
A systematic forecasting method that involves structured interaction among a group of experts on a
subject. The Delphi Technique typically includes at least two rounds of experts answering
questions and giving defence for their answers, providing the opportunity between rounds for
changes and revisions. The multiple rounds, which are stopped after a pre-defined criterion is
reached, enable the group of experts to arrive at a consensus forecast on the subject being
discussed.
Delphi technique enables experts to engage remotely in a dialogue and reach consensus, often about
priorities
Experts asked specific questions and often rank choices
Responses go to a central source, are summarized and fed back to the experts without attribution
Experts can agree or argue with others’ comments
Process may be interactive

15. MERITS AND DEMERITS OF PRIMARY DATA
COLLECTIONS
MERITS DEMERITS
Reliable as the researcher can replicate the
procedure to check the results, as they know the
procedure and how the data was collected and
analysed
Researchers subjective in kinds of data they are
looking for, they may be looking for data that 'fits' in
with the hypothesis they are trying to test
More up-to-date- data gathered from years
previous is less likely to reliably answer the
questions your data needs to address.
Needs a large enough sample to make the sample
credible and be able to generalise, quite costly and
time consuming (due to the personal and direct
intervention) then collecting secondary data
Primary data is directly taken from the population
in question, one of the best types of data to collect
for research methods like a survey for example.

16. WHICH DATA
- do not need to quantify the results
- are not sure what you are able to measure Qualitative
- want narrative or in-depth information
- want to cover a large group
- want to be precise
- know what you want to measure
Quantitative
- want to conduct statistical analysis
Then Use:
If you:

17. REFERENCES
Shamoo A. and Resnik D. (2009 2nd edn), Responsible Conduct of Research, New York: Oxford
University Press
Ghauri, P. N. (2005). Research methods in business studies: A practical guide. Pearson Education
Edem A. and Cecil E. (2010 ) Research Methodology, Ghana : ACK publishing Ltd.

18. THANK YOU