Data Collection Methods and Tools
Levels of Measurement
“Measurement” means using numbers to express the characteristics of a phenomenon.
Measurement levels are as the following:
- Nominal
– Classification based on whether or not they have an attribute or value (female employees – male employees).
– You can only do calculations related to abundance about them
- Ordinal
– Relatively, their severity, weakness, size, traits, or preferences are determined. For example, classification of managers based on their level of education.
- Interval
– The interval between the units of measurement is clear. For example, comparison of the employees’ income with the lowest income.
- Ratio
– It is possible to accurately differentiate between its categories and show them with numbers. (e.g., weight, age, and income).
– All statistical and mathematical operations are possible.
Some tips on measurement levels:
– When a researcher is forced to compare phenomena, measuring at the nominal level is the least beneficial.
– Ordinal measurement is more useful than nominal measurement.
– Interval measuring is very desirable.
Data Collection Tools:
Questionnaire
Important points to consider when preparing a questionnaire:
- Avoid vague questions (e.g., what do you think about…?).
- Avoid asking guiding questions (do you prefer … or … which provides more freedom of action?).
- Simply state the questions (e.g., what do you think about the effects of the system … which is part of the system … in the mechanism …?).
- Avoid questions that involve multiple questions in one question (e.g., is the company manager able to establish … and establish … and ….?).
- Avoid negative questions as much as possible (don’t you agree with …?).
- Avoid asking questions that cause sensitivity and resistance.
Note: As far as possible, avoid essay questions and use multiple-choice questions.
Interview:
The following are important points in an interview:
- Create a friendly atmosphere.
- Attract the interviewer’s attention and interest.
- Arrange questions.
- Do not show any reactions to the answers.
- Present questions in a variety of ways.
- Avoid generalizations.
- Do not insist.
Observation:
The process of identifying, registering, and naming what happens.
Consider the following in this regard:
– It should include at least one clear and specific criterion (shape, effects, etc.).
– It is better to select a number of the observed unit.
– Each observed unit must be defined and specified.
Review of Literature (Library Research):
It refers to the extraction and usage of the data acquired from previous studies, official and unofficial statistics, organizational documents, and scientific resources. The points to consider when reviewing documents are:
– Are these data reliable?
– Do these data correctly express the truth?
– Are these data unbiased?
– Are these data normal and not manipulated (exaggerated or censored)?
Conclusion
To reach the answer to the research question by testing the hypotheses, the researcher analyzes the data into different parts. But the analysis of the research data does not in itself provide the answers to the questions and the analysis of the data is also necessary.
Related Posts:
Different Parts of a Research paper (Part 2)
Different Parts of a Research Paper (Part 1)