Data collection methods are an integral part of research design as shown in the shaded portion in the figure. There are several data collection methods each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Problems researched with the use of appropriate methods greatly enhance the value of research. Data can be collected in variety of ways, in different settings field or lab and from different sources. Data collection methods include interview, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, computer-assisted interviews and interview through electronic media, questionnaire that are either personally administered send through the mail or electronically administered, observation of individuals and events with or without videotaping or audio recording and a variety of other multinational techniques such as projective tests.
Interviewing, administering questionnaire and observing people and phenomena are the three main data collection methods in survey research. Projective tests and other motivational techniques are also sometimes used to tap variables. In such cases, respondents are also sometimes used to tap variables. In such cases respondents are usually asked to write a story, complete a sentence or offer their reactions to ambiguous cues such as inkblots or unlabeled pictures. It is assumed that the respondents project into the responses their own thoughts, feelings, attitudes and expectations.
Interviewing, administering questionnaire and observing people and phenomena are the three main data collection methods in survey research. Projective tests and other motivational techniques are also sometimes used to tap variables. In such cases, respondents are also sometimes used to tap variables. In such cases respondents are usually asked to write a story, complete a sentence or offer their reactions to ambiguous cues such as inkblots or unlabeled pictures. It is assumed that the respondents project into the responses their own thoughts, feelings, attitudes and expectations.
