Data Collection Tools and Methods for Leadership-Unit V.pdf

Data Collection Tools and Methods for Leadership-Unit V .

1. .
Data Collection Tools and
Methods
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2. Unit Outline
Scales of Measurement
Primary and Secondary data
Data Collection Techniques
Selection of Appropriate Method for Data
Collection
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3. Guiding Questions




What are the major differences among the level of
measurements? And, why is level of measurement
important?
What is the difference between primary and
secondary sources in research study?
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4. Data Collection Tools and Methods
Scales of Measurement


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5. Data Collection Tools and Methods
Scale is a tool or mechanism by which individuals are
distinguished as to how they differ from one
another on the variables of interest to our study.
There are four basic types of scales:
1.Nominal Scale
2.Ordinal Scale
3.Interval Scale
4.Ratio Scale


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6. Data Collection Tools and Methods
The degree of sophistication to which the scales are
fine-tuned increases progressively as we move from
the nominal to the ratio scale.
The information on the variables can be obtained in
greater detail when we employ an interval or a ratio
scale than the other two scales (nominal or ordinal).
With more powerful scales (using interval or ratio),
increasingly sophisticated data analyses can be
performed, which in turn, means that more meaningful
answers can be found to our research questions.



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7. Data Collection Tools and Methods
1. Nominal Scale
The nominal scale assigns numbers as a way to label
or identify characteristics.
The numbers assigned have no quantitative meaning
beyond indicating the presence or absence of the
characteristic under investigation.
The nominal scale simply denotes categories and the
categories are mutually exclusive and have no
numerical meaning.
Nominal data are frequently termed categorical
data.


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8. Data Collection Tools and Methods
The data classify, but have no order.
Nominal data include items such as sex, age group,
subject taught, type of university, birth place etc.
The numbers we assign for the various categories are
purely arbitrary, and any arithmetic operation
applied to these numbers is meaningless.
Here, in this case, it is important to keep in mind that
the numbers do not have intrinsic meaning.



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9. Data Collection Tools and Methods


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10. Data Collection Tools and Methods
2. Ordinal Scale
The ordinal scale is the next higher level of
measurement precision. It ensures that the possible
categories can be placed in a specific order (rank) or
in some ‘natural’ way.
The ordinal scale not only classifies but also
introduces an order into the data.
The numbers are not obtained as a result of a
counting or measurement process, and consequently,
arithmetic operations are not allowed.


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11. Data Collection Tools and Methods
3. Interval Scale
Whereas the nominal scale allows us only to
qualitatively distinguish groups by categorizing them
into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive
sets, and the ordinal scale to rank-order the
preferences, the interval scale allows us to measure
the distance between any two points on the scale.


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12. Data Collection Tools and Methods
Unlike the nominal and ordinal scales of measurement,
the numbers in an interval scale are obtained as a
result of a measurement process and have some units
of measurement.
The interval scale introduces a metric – a regular
and equal interval between each data point – as
well as keeping the features of the previous two
scales, classification and order. However, there is no
true zero.


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13. Data Collection Tools and Methods
4. Ratio Scale
The ratio scale represents the highest form of
measurement precision.
The ratio scale embraces the main features of the
previous three scales – classification, order and an
equal interval metric – but adds a fourth, powerful
feature: a true zero.

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14. Data Collection Tools and Methods
Ratio scale enables the researcher to determine
proportions easily – ‘twice as many as’, ‘half as many
as’, ‘three times and the amount of’ and so on.
Because there is an absolute zero, all of the
arithmetical processes of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division are possible.
Examples, measure of distance, money in the bank,
population, time spent on homework, years teaching,
income, marks on test and so on are all ratio
measures.

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15. Data Collection Tools and Methods
Why is level of measurement important?
oFirst, knowing the level of measurement helps you
decide on how to interpret the data.
For example, if your measure is nominal, then you
know that the numerical values are just short
codes for (qualitative) categories.

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16. Data Collection Tools and Methods
oSecond, the level of measurement helps you decide on
how to present data in tabular and graphical
forms.
For example no grouped frequency distribution or
a histogram for nominal scale
oThird, knowing the level of measurement helps you
decide what type of statistical analysis is
appropriate.
For example you would never average the data
values or apply parametric statistical methods
for nominal scale

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17. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Classification of Data: Primary and Secondary data
Data collection plays a very crucial role in the
statistical analysis. In research, there are different
methods used to gather information, all of which
fall into two categories, i.e. primary data and
secondary data.
Primary data is data originated for the first time
by the researcher through direct efforts and
experience, specifically for the purpose of
addressing his/her research problem. Also known as
the first hand or raw data.

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18. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
The data collection is under direct control and
supervision of the investigator.
Secondary data implies second-hand information
which is already collected and recorded by any
person other than the user for a purpose.
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19. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Basis for
Comparison
Primary Data Secondary Data
Meaning Refers to the first hand data
gathered by the researcher
himself/herself.
Means data collected by someone
else earlier.
Data Real time data Past data
Process Very involved Quick and easy
Source Questionnaire, observations,
experiments, interview, FGD,
etc.
Gov’t publications, websites,
books, journal articles, internal
records etc.
Cost Expensive Economical/Cheaper
Collection time Long Short
Specific Always specific to the
researcher's needs.
May or may not be specific to the
researcher's need.
Available in Crude form Refined form
Accuracy and
Reliability
More Relatively less
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20. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Data Collection Techniques
What is Data Collection
Data collection is the process by which the
researcher collects the information needed to
answer stated research questions and/or test
hypotheses.
Data collection is one of the most important stages
in conducting a research. We can have the best
research design in the world but if we cannot
collect the required data we will not be able to
complete our project.



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21. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Data collection starts with determining what kind
of data required followed by the selection of a
sample from a certain population. After that, we
need to use a certain instrument to collect the
data from the selected sample.
Both the selection of appropriate data collection
instruments (existing, modified, or newly
developed) and clearly delineated instructions for
their correct use reduce the likelihood of errors
occurring.


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22. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
In collecting the data, the researcher must decide:
1)Which data to collect?
2)How to collect the data?
3)Who will collect the data?
4)When to collect the data?
The selection of data collection method should be
based on the following:
oThe identified hypothesis or research problem
oThe research design
oThe information gathered about the variables


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23. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Data Collection Instrument
One of the most important components of a
research design is the data collection instruments
because they gather or collect data or information.
Data collection instrument or tool is described as
a device used to collect the data.
The type of instrument used by the researcher
depends on the nature and objectives of the
research study.
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24. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Ways of Searching for Data Collection Instruments
a) Read professional journals to learn what kind of
instruments are being used for similar studies, style, and how
they are used by the writers.
b) Read books that provide a description or actual copy of
various instruments for the reader.
c) Talk with other researchers who may know of certain
tools they have developed for themselves, or may have used
tools developed by others.
d) Combine or adapt one or more tools used by other
researchers.
e) Develop your own instrument to fulfill a specific need.
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25. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Types of Data Collection Instruments
1)Questionnaire
2)Interview
3)Observation
4)Checklist etc

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26. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
1)Questionnaire
The questionnaire is a widely used and useful
instrument for collecting survey information,
providing structured, often numerical data, being
able to be administered without the presence of the
researcher, and often being comparatively
straightforward to analyze.

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27. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Forms of a Questionnaire
Closed-ended form….Structured Questionnaire
Open-ended form….Unstructured Questionnaire
Types of Questionnaire Items
oDichotomous questions (Nominal Data)
Example: Sex(please tick) : Male □ Female □
oMultiple choice questions (Nominal Data)
Example: Number of years in teaching (please
tick):
1–5 □ 6–14 □ 15–24 □ 25+ □ 27

28. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
oRank ordering (Ordinal Data)
Example: Please indicate your priorities by placing
numbers in the boxes to indicate the ordering of
your views, 1=the highest priority, 2=the second
priority and so on
oRating scaling (Ordinal data)
Example: All students should have access to free
higher education.
1 = strongly disagree
2 = disagree
3 = neither agree nor disagree
4 = agree
5 = strongly agree 28

29. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Advantages
Relatively simple method of obtaining data.
Less time is consumed
Researcher is able to gather data from a widely
scattered sample.
Disadvantages
Responses to a questionnaire lack depth.
Respondent may omit or disregard any item he/she
chooses.
Printing may be costly especially if it is lengthy.
The sample is limited to those who are literate.

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30. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Criteria of a Good Questionnaire
a)Clarity of language: It must meet the level of
understanding of the respondents in order to generate
needed responses.
b)Singleness of objective: An item must have one and
only one answer.
c)One-to-one correspondence/relevance: The
questionnaire as a whole must correspond with the
objectives of the study.
d)Correct grammar, spelling and construction: Correct
sentences, correctly spelled words, coherence in
construction of sentences etc.


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31. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Characteristics of a Good Questionnaire
a)Well stated title
b)It assures the respondents about the
confidentiality of responses
c)It is designed to achieve the objectives of the
study
d)It has a clear direction
e)It are no double-negative questions
f)It avoids double-barreled questions
g)The design corresponds to an easy tabulation of
data



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32. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
2) Interview
The interview is a more flexible form than the
questionnaire and, if intelligently used, can
generally be used to gather information of greater
depth and can be more sensitive to contextual
variations in meaning.
It involves either structured or semi-structured
or unstructured verbal communication between the
researcher and subject, during which information
is obtained for the study.




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33. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Advantages
Depth of response can be assured
Clarification is possible
No items are overlooked
Higher proportion of responses is obtained
Greater amount of flexibility is allowed
Disadvantages
May provides misleading information.
Defects due to interviewee (low level of intelligence or may
be emotionally unbalanced)
Result may be affected due to prejudices of interviewer.
Result may be affected due to the difference in the mental
outlook of interviewee and interviewer.
One sided and incomplete research.



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34. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
Selection of Appropriate Method for Data Collection
There are various factors to consider when choosing a
data collection methods.
a) Nature, scope and object of enquiry: This constitutes
the most important factor affecting the choice of a
particular method. The method selected should be such
that it suits the type of enquiry that is to be conducted by
the researcher. This factor is also important in deciding
whether the data already available (secondary data) are to
be used or the data not yet available (primary data) are to
be collected.

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35. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
b) Availability of funds: Availability of funds for the
research project determines to a large extent the
method to be used for the collection of data. When
funds at the disposal of the researcher are very
limited, he/she will have to select a comparatively
cheaper method which may not be as efficient and
effective as some other costly method.

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36. Data Collection Tools and Methods...Cont‘d
c) Time factor: Availability of time has also to be
taken into account in deciding a particular method of
data collection. Some methods take relatively more
time, whereas with others the data can be collected in
a comparatively shorter duration. The time at the
disposal of the researcher, thus, affects the selection
of the method by which the data are to be collected.

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