The Different Types of Data Collection Tools
Posted On Friday, May 4, 2012 at at 6:11 AM by web research
Any scientific study requires the collection of data to verify hypotheses. Researchers should use specialized and appropriate tools to accurately obtain the data they need so that the results of their investigation do not become skewed. The data collection process can also be as simple or as complicated, depending on the type of data collection tools required and used during the research.
Basically, data collection tools are instruments used to collect information. They can be employed for scientific studies as well as for assessments, self–evaluations, and internal and external appraisals. Data collection tools need to be valid and reliable to support the findings of the research. There are, however, a few considerations when selecting data collection tools. Budget, feasibility, and respondent availability and comfort are only some of these.
There are a few examples of data collection tools that are commonly used. Surveys are one of the most common data collection tools available. These are useful in business, mental health studies, scientific researches, or any other project that requires information from a large number of people. Surveys collect data using questions designed to gather responses about things, attitudes, or variables that are of interest to the researcher.
Interviews are a type of data collection tool that is used to obtain information about a specific subject matter. Interviews often involve experts in a specified field, such as a psychologist specializing in children's mental health when collecting data about a child's mental health problem. Interviews are also commonly used by news reports to gain first-hand information about the specific story.
Observation is also another commonly used data collection tool. Data collection using observation employs specific terms that are measured, seen, or reproducible. Data obtained using this method is often referred to as first-hand data. This data collection tool lets the researcher obtain any unspoken observation about the participants while conducting the research.
Case studies and content analyses are data collection tools which are based upon pre-existing research or information recorded beforehand which may be useful to the researcher. While each type of data collection tool may be used alone, researchers often use multiple tools or mixed methods so that the data obtained has a higher degree of integrity.
Author:Clark Adams
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/
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Thank you for the post! Indeed knowing different types of data collection practices should be employed for data collection.