Introduction

Before choosing a data collection method, it is necessary to determine the type of data required for the study. Data collection as a primary step in research can cloud the quality of results obtained by reducing possible errors in a research project. A researcher needs many tools or techniques to collect data. Tests are tools that measure and guide researchers in collecting and evaluating data. Tools can vary in complexity, interpretation, design, and administration. Each tool is suitable for collecting a certain type of information. An appropriate data collection method helps with good research planning, it does not necessarily guarantee the overall success of the research project. It is necessary to choose from among the available tools those that will provide the data sought to test the hypotheses. Data can be classified in a variety of ways, including quantitative and qualitative.

Qualitative data

Qualitative data may be relevant to collect additional information to discover and identify new impacts and consequences of research programmes, and ultimately to improve the quality of quantitative outcomes. . Qualitative methods fall into three main categories, including observations, document reviews, and in-depth interviews, despite the fact that there are less common ways to collect qualitative data.

Quantitative data

Numerical data generated and calculated by a mathematical method is recognized as quantitative data. There are many different scales for measuring quantitative data, including nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales. Scales can also be classified into two general categories, “rating scales and attitude scales”. Rating scales assign a numerical value to points or categories to rate them. Attitude scales, on the other hand, determine a person's predisposition towards an individual, a phenomenon or an object. 

Data Collection Methods

Data collection methods play an important role in the research process as they determine the quality and accuracy of the data collected. The data collection task begins after a research problem has been identified and the study design has been planned. The method of data collection is of great importance.

• Determine the quality and accuracy of the collected data. • Ensure that the data is relevant, valid and reliable.

• This reduces bias and increases the representativeness of the sample.

• Necessary to make informed decisions and correct conclusions.

• Facilitate the achievement of research objectives by providing accurate data.

• Support the validity and reliability of research results. Generally, data collection methods are divided into two main categories as primary data collection methods and secondary data collection methods. 

Primary Data Collection Methods

Several methods can be used to collect primary data. Which method to choose depends on the research objectives and available resources. The data to be collected and the skills of the researcher. By primary data collection method that is specific to the research reason and has high accuracy. Primary data collection method

We collect primary data during testing in empirical research, but in the case we conduct descriptive research and conduct surveys, whether sample surveys or census surveys. We may collect primary data by observation or direct communication with respondents. In one form or another or through personal interviews. There are several methods of primary data collection:

1. Observation method,

2. Maintenance method

3. By questionnaire

4. Through the schedule

5. Other methods include (a) survey, (b) warranty card, (c) diary, (d) link analysis, (e) memo study, (f) Delphi technique. We briefly review each method separately.

Observation Methods

Observation is the most commonly used scientific tool and data collection method for researchers. This can be useful when the concept is unexplored or poorly understood. If it is necessary to explore a topic in a natural context and the information reported may differ from the results of the actual context, observational techniques should be used. This method allows both qualitative and quantitative data to be collected. Qualitative data are collected as descriptions of events in the frame. Quantitative data can be obtained using the duration or frequency of specific subjects.

Benefits:

1. This is a reliable and valid technique for collecting data and information. 2. We receive data directly through this method.

3. Observable files are also available immediately.

4. It is a simple, extensive and complete method.

5. This is an older technique to collect data and get live insights.

Limitation:

1. It's a subjective method.

2. It's a time consuming process.

3. It's an expensive method.

4. The information provided by this method is very limited.

5. Observers must be trained and experienced.

Interview Method

Interviewing is a two-way method that allows the exchange of ideas and information. "Interview is essentially a social interaction" by W. J. Goode & P.K. Hat. According to Burns, "an interview is a verbal exchange, usually face-to-face, although telephone may be used, in which the interviewer attempts to gather information, beliefs, or opinions. from someone else". In face-to-face interviews, the face-to-face interviewer asks a series of questions to the interviewee and records the responses. If the person is not available, the interviewer can conduct a phone interview. This form of data collection is only suitable for a small number of respondents. Too long and tedious to repeat the same process if there are many participants

Features of an interview:

1. Investigators can probe random factors, determine attitudes, find the source of the problem. 2. Treatment of young children and illiterate people is appropriate.

3. Can cross check.

4. This helps the interviewer get an idea of ​​who is involved.

5. He can deal with delicate, secretive and even intimate topics.

6. The sincerity, frankness, honesty and insight of the interviewee can best be assessed by cross-questioning. 7. This leaves respondents with no chance to change their previous answers.

8. It is applicable in survey methodology, but it also applies in historical, experimental, case and clinical studies.

Advantages

1. They can help explore social, health and cultural concepts, for example, by looking at people's behavior in different situations.

2. Individual literacy is not an issue.

3. They are suitable for exploring complex topics.

4. They are useful for developing hypotheses.

Disadvantages

1. Can be expensive and time consuming.

2. Lack of closeness on the face. 3. A trained instructor is required

4. Can solve problems caused by limited individual domination in discussion groups.

Questionnaire Methods

It can be defined as; "A questionnaire is a systematic set of questions sent to a sample of the population from which information is desired." Barr, Davis & Johnson. “In general, the word questionnaire refers to a device that secures answers to questions using a form that respondents fill out themselves. W J. Goode and K. Hall. This method of data collection is quite common, especially for large surveys. It is accepted by individuals, researchers, private and public organizations and even the government. A questionnaire is a written list of questions, the answers of which are recorded by the respondent. In a questionnaire, respondents read the questions, explain what is expected, and then score the responses. The questionnaire is mailed to respondents, who are expected to read and understand the questions and write their answers in the space provided in the questionnaire itself. Respondents must answer the questions alone. Before using this method, it is always advisable to conduct a “Pilot Survey” to test the questionnaire.

Questionnaire management mode:

1. Administer a face-to-face questionnaire, in which the interviewer presents the items orally.

2. Administer a paper-and-pencil questionnaire in which items are presented on paper.

3. Administer a computerized questionnaire, where items are presented on a computer.

4. Adaptive computerized questionnaire management, where the selection of items is presented on the computer and based on the answers to these items, the computer selects the next items that are optimized for the candidate's estimated abilities or characteristics. 

Characteristics of a good questionnaire:

1. It relates to an important or significant topic.

2. It should be as short as possible, just long enough to get the required data.

3. It has an attractive appearance, almost arranged and clearly reproduced or printed.

4. Instructions are clear and complete, important terms are clarified.

5. Objective questions, no hints or suggestions.

6. The questions are presented in order from simple to complex.

7. Avoid double negation, adverbs and descriptive adjectives.

8. It is easy to tabulate, summarize and explain.

Advantages of the questionnaire method:

1. Low cost even when the universe is large and geographically dispersed.

2. There is no bias on the part of the interviewer.

3. Large samples can be used and the results can therefore be more reliable.

Disadvantages of the questionnaire method:

1. Thanks to this, we only get limited answers.

2. Lack of personal touch.

3. It can only be used when the respondent is educated and cooperative.

4. The possibility of wrong answer is higher. 5. More likely to get an incomplete response.

6. It is difficult to know if the voluntary respondents are really representative.

Schedule

When a researcher uses a set of questions for interview purposes, it is called a schedule. "Schedule is the name commonly applied to a set of questions, asked and answered by one interviewer in a face-to-face situation" by W.J. Goode & P.K. Hatt. According to Thomas Carson Macormie, "The calendar is nothing more than a list of questions, seemingly necessary for hypothesis testing." As such, a timeline is a list of questions formulated and presented with the specific purpose of testing a hypothesis or hypothesis. In the calendar approach, maintenance takes center stage and plays an important role.

Important schedule features:

1. Schedule presented by the interviewer. Questions were asked and answers were recorded.

2. The question list is just a formal text, it doesn't need to be attractive. 3. Calendars can be used in a very narrow field of social studies.

4. During the programme, the list of questions is planned in advance and formally recorded and the interviewer is always equipped with a formal document detailing the questions.

Points to keep in mind when designing a calendar:

1.  Interviewers shouldn't ask long, complicated, and flawed questions.

2. Don't ask irrelevant and unnecessary questions.

3. The schedule should not contain personal and unpleasant questions. Their questions should be simple, clear, and relevant to the topic.

4. The program should include objective, indirect and clear questions.

Survey

Surveys are used to collect data from the target audience and gather information about their preferences, opinions, choices and feedback about their products and services. Most survey software usually has multiple question types to choose from. You can also use pre-made survey templates to save time and effort. Online surveys can be customized for company branding by altering egos, logos, etc. They can be distributed through several distribution channels like email, website, offline app, QR code, social media, etc.  

Depending on your audience type and source, you can choose a channel. Once data is collected, survey software can generate various reports and run analytical algorithms to uncover hidden information. The survey dashboard can provide you with statistics regarding response rates, completion rates, demographic-based filters, export and sharing options, and more. Integrating survey generators with third-party applications can maximize real-time online data collection efforts.

Some Other Data Collection Methods

Polls

Polls consist of a single or multiple choice question. You can participate in opinion polls without having to get a quick understanding of public sentiment. Since it's short and easier to get feedback from people. Like surveys, online surveys can also be integrated with various platforms. Once the respondent has answered the question, it can also be shown how it compares to other answers.

Warranty Card

Warranty cards are typically postcard-sized cards used by consumer durables retailers to collect information about their products. The search information is printed as a question on a "warranty card" placed inside the packaging with the product, with the consumer required to fill out the card and return it to the retailer.

Diaries

These self-administered questionnaires asked participants to complete forms in two different situations. First, event-based people ask to be populated when something happens. The second type is called a time-based diary that must be completed at a specific time or interval. On the other hand, journaling can also be evocative and reactive research. Suggested types allow participants to use media to aid their memory. Response research uses predefined questions for immediate answers.

This method can be used in the following cases:

1. Follow people over time.

2. Perform cross-individual comparisons

3. Investigate processes between families and individuals.

Link Analysis

It is a method of data analysis that can be used to discover associations, connections, and relationships between different objects. This analysis can be based on relational, physical and numerical aspects. Therefore, data collection by this method can also be based on numerical data, for example from web pages. This method is also used in networking. For this, data traversing the links is analyzed to discover the integrity of the links between each node of the network. Typically, this method uses known violation patterns to discover anomalies, examines related objects to match known patterns of interest, and finally uncovers new patterns of interest.

Memo Motion Study

This method is also known as interval photography and uses a camera to analyze a long process. As a tool of the times, he uses film material for research purposes. Today, this technique is widely used, since many current parameters can satisfy the necessary conditions.  

Delphi Technology

In the Delphi method, market experts receive estimates and assumptions of forecasts made by industry experts. Experts may review and revise their estimates and assumptions based on information provided by other experts. All-expert consensus on demand forecasting versus final demand forecasting.

Second Data Collection Methods

Secondary data is data that has been used in the past. Research can draw data from data sources, both internal and external to the organization. Secondary data collection methods may also include active quantitative and qualitative techniques. Secondary data is available, takes less time and is more expensive than primary data. However, with the secondary data collection method, the author cannot verify the accuracy of the collected data.

Secondary data is data collected from primary sources that can be used in ongoing research. Secondary data collection usually takes much less time than primary data collection, where you will have to collect all the information from scratch. Therefore, it is possible to collect more data in this way.

Secondary data can be obtained from two different research streams -

Quantitative:

Census, housing, social security as well as election statistics and other related databases.

Qualitative:

Semi-structured and semi-structured interviews, focus group transcripts, field notes, observation diaries, and other personal research-related materials. Secondary data is usually available. After the cost of electronic media and the Internet, the availability of secondary data has become much easier.

Print Source Published

There are many published print sources. Their reliability depends on many factors. For example, about the author, publisher and date and time of publication. New sources are preferred and old sources should be avoided as new technologies and research present new facts.

Books

Books are available today on any subject you want to study. The use of books begins even before you choose a subject. After selecting topics, the books will provide an overview of the amount of work that has been done on the same topic and you can prepare for your literature review. Books are the secondary but most authentic of the secondary sources.

Journals/Periodicals

Journals and periodicals are becoming increasingly important for data collection. The reason for this is that journals provide up-to-date information that sometimes books cannot and secondly, journals can provide information about the very specific subject you are researching instead of telling on more general topics.

Magazine/Newspaper

Magazines are also effective but not very reliable. On the other hand, journalism is more reliable and in some cases information can only be obtained from the press, such as in the case of some political research.

Electronic Source

As the Internet is increasingly advanced, fast and accessible to the masses; It has been found that a lot of information that is not available in printed form is available on the internet. In the past, the reliability of the Internet was questioned, but today that is no longer the case. The reason is that in the past, magazines and books were rarely published on the Internet, but today most magazines and books are available online. Some are free and for others you pay a price.

Electronic Magazine

Electronic journals are more popular than print magazines. The latest journals are hard to get without a subscription, but if your university has an electronic library you can view any journal, print it, and those that don't, you can order row. 

General Sites

In general, websites do not contain very reliable information, so their content should be checked for reliability before citing them.

Weblog

Blogs are also gaining popularity. They are actually magazines written by different people. These journals are reliable to use as personal writing journals.

Unpublished Personal Records

Some unpublished data may also be useful in some cases. Calendar and Diaries are personal records and are rarely available, but if you do descriptive research they can be very helpful. The diary of Anne Frank is the most famous example. This diary contains the most accurate records of the Nazi wars.

Letters

Letters such as diaries are also a rich source but should be checked for reliability before use. Government documents:

Government archives are important for research in marketing, management, humanities, and social sciences.

Census/Census data

Health records; Records of educational institutions, etc.

Industry Profile

NGO survey data; Register of other private companies.

References:

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