METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

Once the researcher has identified ad formulated a research problem, determined the objectives of research, he is now encountered with the problem of data collection. The information collected requires should be accurate and relevant as per the needs of the research. Data collection methods can be broadly categorized into (1) Primary methods and secondary methods.The data directly gathered by a researcher is known as primary data and the methods used for collecting primary data are known as sources of primary data.
The following are the methods of primary data collection: 

a) Observation, b) Mail Questionnaire, c) Personal Interview, d) Telephone Interview, 
e) Group Interview

A. OBSERVATION METHODS: 

 One of the main methods of data collection is through observation.  Observation proves to be a scientific tool for the researcher to the degree it serves a formulated research objective, is systematically planned, related to more general theoretical propositions, recorded systematically  and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliability.  The observation may be utilized to explore the particular area of subject-matter or to gain insight into the research question and facilitate a basis for development of hypothesis. For descriptive studies, observation may also be applied as the primary method of data collection. The scientific observation may be categorized into three broad categories:
(a) Controlled/uncontrolled observation, 
(b) Structured/unstructured/partially structured observation, and, 
(c) Participant/non-participant observation. 

The selection of the observation techniques depends on the purpose of the study. The researcher must seek answer to four broad questions before setting out to observe. 

(i) What is to be observed? 
(ii) How is the observation to be recorded?,
 (iii)   How to ensure the accuracy of observation?,
 (iv)   The relationship between the observer and the observed.

a)The unstructured observation lacks a careful definition of the units to be observed, information to be recorded, the selection of relevant data for observation and standardization of conditions of observation. In exploratory studies the observer does not known in advance what aspects of the situation will be relevant. The structured observation is employed mostly in studies aimed to provide systematic description or to test casual hypothesis. The technique presumes that the researcher knows which aspects of the situation under investigation are relevant to the research purposes. Therefore, the researcher will be in a position to develop a specific plan for making observation and recording data before he actually sets out for observation. Structured observation may occur in the natural field setting or in laboratory-setting.

b)      Participant observation has a reference to the observer sharing to a greater or lesser degree the life of the group he is observing. The non-participant observation is featured by a relative lack of participation by the observer in the life of the group under observation. The participant observation is an attempt to put both observer and the observed on the same footing by making the observer a member of the group so that he can experience what they experience and work within their frame of reference. The non-participant observation involves the espousal by the observer of a detached role of the observer and recorder without any attempt on his part to experience through participation that which the observed do. 

There are a number of advantages and limitations of the observation technique. 
In participant observation, the researcher becomes a member of the community being observed by him. He has access to the information which he could not obtain by merely looking on in a disinterested fashion. The researcher is able to record the context which gives meaning to expressions of opinion. In participant observation when the investigator actually becomes a participant, it narrows his range of experience. The involvement of the investigator in the situation may lessen the sharpness of observation and looses objectivity. But a purely non-participant observation is difficult. There are three main causes of distorted observation.
 (i)   Due to inadequacies of sense-organs.
 (ii)  Due to interdependence of observation and inference; and 
(iii) Due to the impossibility of observing human beings without influencing their actions and being influenced by them. Thus, the observation as a technique of data collection must be employed with caution.