Chapter 10

Data Collection Methods

Data can be obtained from primary and secondary sources.

Primary data sources are Individuals; Focus groups (typically consist of 8 to 10 members and a moderator); Panel (Like the focus group but meet more than once) and Unobtrusive methods (Does not involve people).

Secondary sources are indispensible. They save time and costs.

There are several data collection methods viz:

Interviews- these are usually Structured i.e. the interviewer has a list of predetermined questions. In the Unstructured interviews no planned sequence of questions are asked

Questionnaires - Personally administered and confined to a local area

Mail – a Wide geographical area can be covered

Observational Surveys include Participant that are Part of the system; Non participant - 

Collect data without being an integral part of the system; 

Structured surveys have predetermined activities planned while unstructured surveys have no definite ideas on aspects that need focus. 

Multimethods give credence to outcome from more than one source