Section 1: Examples of Information Collection Methods
There are many ways to collect information in research. The method that is chosen by the researcher depends on the research question that is being asked. Examples of information collection methods include surveys, interviews, tests, physiological assessments, observations, existing record reviews and biological samples.
A survey is a set of questions for research participants to answer. Surveys can be administered in person, through the mail, telephone or electronically (e-mail or Internet). A survey can be administered to an individual or in a group setting. Surveys are used to gain information about many individuals and may include multiple/forced choice or open-ended questions (e.g., demographics , health, knowledge, opinions, beliefs, attitudes or skills).
An interview is an interaction that involves the researcher and the participant(s) in which questions are presented in person, over the telephone or even electronically (email or Internet). During an interview, questions are asked to obtain detailed information from the participant about the topic under study. The questions may be similar to those asked in a survey.
A test is a form or a physical or mental task for which a normal standard has been determined or for which there are correct answers. A participant's performance on the test is then compared to these standards and/or correct answers. Tests are used in research to determine a participant's aptitude, skill, knowledge, health, or mental status as compared to the general population. Tests can be administered in person or through a paper or electronic medium. An example would be students taking a standardized test for academic achievement (e.g., SAT, MCAT, GRE).
Physiological assessments are measurements in which a participant's physical characteristics are evaluated such as blood pressure, heart rate, or physical strength. In health-related research, physiological assessment may be used to determine the participant's health status prior to, during, or after the completion of the study. An example would be older adults touching their toes to assess flexibility and reach.
Observations are recordings that are taken of the participant without requiring interaction. These recordings are made while participants are engaged in routine behaviors and are used as an indicator of what participants actually do rather than relying completely on self-reports of participants' behaviors. An example would be a researcher observing an ongoing lesson plan used in a classroom by a public school teacher.
Record reviews take place when the researcher examines and extracts information from documents that include information about the participant. Records that are reviewed in research may be either public or private. An example is a researcher collecting information about a disease from patient medical records.
Biological samples are substances (blood, urine, saliva) that are taken from an individual and used to measure physiological information. An example would be drawing blood to assess the sugar content in a diabetic patient.
No matter what kind of information is collected in a research study or how it is collected, it is extremely important to carry out the collection of the information with precision (i.e., reliability), accuracy (i.e., validity), and minimal error. The integrity and usefulness of the research may be compromised if the study measurements are not carried out correctly. Factors that contribute to effective information gathering are discussed in the next few sections.
FAQs
Some common data collection methods include surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, experiments, and secondary data analysis. The data collected through these methods can then be analyzed and used to support or refute research hypotheses and draw conclusions about the study's subject matter.
What are the methods of gathering information? ›
Examples of information collection methods include surveys, interviews, tests, physiological assessments, observations, existing record reviews and biological samples.
How do we collect information when developing a new system? ›
The most commonly used methods are: published literature sources, surveys (email and mail), interviews (telephone, face-to-face or focus group), observations, documents and records, and experiments.
What are the four types of information your data collection method would include? ›
In this article, we will look at four different data collection techniques – observation, questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion – and evaluate their suitability under different circ*mstances.
What are the four methods of collecting primary data explain any one method? ›
Primary data collection is the process of gathering data directly from a first-hand source. In other words, it's data that's collected by the organization that expects to use it. Methods include surveys, interviews, observation, and focus groups.
What is a data collection method? ›
Data collection is the process of collecting and analyzing information on relevant variables in a predetermined, methodical way so that one can respond to specific research questions, test hypotheses, and assess results. Data collection can be either qualitative or quantitative.
What are two methods you used to gather your information? ›
The 5 most common methods for data gathering are, (a) Document reviews (b) Interviews (c) Focus groups (d) Surveys (e) Observation or testing.
What is collection of information? ›
Collection of information is called data.
What are the three basic method to gather info? ›
Under the main three basic groups of research methods (quantitative, qualitative and mixed), there are different tools that can be used to collect data. Interviews can be done either face-to-face or over the phone. Surveys/questionnaires can be paper or web based.
What is the process of information gathering? ›
What is the Process of Gathering Information?
- Identify the problem and ask questions that need answering.
- Identify the objective of answering those questions.
- Determine how you will collect this data (questionnaires, surveys, research, observatioN, etc).
Research is a focused and systematic search for truth, for trustworthy knowledge and understanding. Truth, for its part, loses nothing by close examination, by careful investigation. Further, both reason and faith can be strengthened by the scrutiny of research and refined in the crucible of empirical analysis.
What is the difference between tools and techniques? ›
A tool is a device or computer app that enables you do do something. For example, a microscope or a modeling program. A technique is a process or procedure that you follow. For example there are guidelines for how to construct an effective scientific experiment such as you make sure the participants are unbiased.
What type of data describes qualities and characteristics? ›
Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics. It is collected using questionnaires, interviews, or observation, and frequently appears in narrative form.
What are different types of data analysis methods and techniques? ›
These are the following methods used for data analysis:
- Regression analysis.
- Monte Carlo Simulation.
- Factor analysis.
- Cohort analysis.
- Cluster analysis.
- Time series analysis.
- Sentiment analysis.
Quantitative research methods are measuring and counting. Qualitative research methods are interviewing and observing. Quantitative data is analyzed using statistical analysis. Qualitative data is analyzed by grouping the data into categories and themes.
What are the four research methods that are traditionally used when collecting data? ›
Examples of data collection methods
| Research method | Primary or secondary? | Qualitative or quantitative? |
|---|
| Experiment | Primary | Quantitative |
| Survey | Primary | Quantitative |
| Interview/focus group | Primary | Qualitative |
| Observation | Primary | Either |
2 more rowsTop six data collection methods: Interviews, Questionnaires and surveys, Observations, Documents and records, Focus groups, Oral histories.
There are many ways to collect information in research. The method that is chosen by the researcher depends on the research question that is being asked. Examples of information collection methods include surveys, interviews, tests, physiological assessments, observations, existing record reviews and biological samples.