This document discusses various aspects of data collection in social research. It describes quantitative vs qualitative and structured vs unstructured data, as well as primary vs secondary data. The main types of data collection methods covered are surveys, observation, experiments, interviews, focus groups, documents and literature. Factors to consider when choosing a suitable data collection method include the nature of the population, variables, study objectives, resources and sample size. The document also discusses triangulation of data sources and evaluators. It provides an overview of data collection instruments, scale development, and desirable characteristics of good instruments such as being relevant, credible, valid and reliable. Additional topics covered include administering surveys, response rates, non-response bias, and ethics in data

1. Prof. Dr.
Khalid
Mahmood
University of
the Punjab
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DATA COLLECTION IN
SOCIAL RESEARCH

2. Quantitative vs. qualitative
Structured vs. un-structured
Primary vs. secondary
TYPES OF DATA
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3. Survey
Observation
Experiment
Knowledge / performance test
Interview
Focus group
Field notes
Documents, literature, etc.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
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4. Based on these factors:
Nature of population (unit of analysis)
Nature and measurement level of variables
Objectives of study
Resources and time availability
Required level of precision
Sample size
CAUTION: All methods are subject to bias
CHOOSING A SUITABLE METHOD
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5. Triangulation of methods
collection of same data using different methods
Triangulation of sources
collection of same data from a variety of sources
Triangulation of evaluators
collection of same data from more than one
evaluator
TRIANGULATION OF DATA
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6. Two choices:
Standardized
‘Build your own’
DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS
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7. SCALE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
 Define concepts to be measured
 Define attributes of the concepts
 Select level of measurement (data type)
 Generate items
 Wording
 Response format
 Layout and design
 Pretest and refine

8. Relevant
Credible
Valid
Reliable
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD
INSTRUMENTS
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9. Face-to-face interviews
Telephone interviews
Postal self-administered questionnaires
Email surveys
Web-based surveys
ADMINISTERING SURVEYS
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10. No standards for acceptable response rate; only
conventions
A summary of various studies shows that
acceptable response rates vary by how the survey is
administered:
Mail: 50% adequate, 60% good, 70% very good
Phone: 80% good
Email: 40% average, 50% good, 60% very good
Online: 30% average
Face-to-face: 80-85% good
RESPONSE RATE
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11. Non-response is affected by question content,
question construction, method of
administration and questionnaire length
Intrusive, sensitive, irrelevant or repetitive
questions as well as those that are poorly
worded, difficult to understand, difficult to
answer or have insufficient response
categories can frustrate respondents and
produce non-response
NON-RESPONSE BIAS
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12. IMPROVING RESPONSE RATE
Increase perceived rewards
 Be polite, say thank you
 Summary of results
 Tangible rewards (money, gift…can be very effective)
Increase trust
 Provide a sense of legitimacy
 Make responding to the questionnaire seem important
Test the questionnaire
 Have one respondent fill the questionnaire in your presence
 Pilot test on small sample

13. Voluntary participation
Informed consent
No harm
Anonymity
Privacy
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ETHICS IN DATA COLLECTION

14. Good luck
for your
research
endeavors!
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