Understanding Ways to Collect Data (1)

Understanding Ways to Collect Data

Understanding Data and Ways to Collect Data

Research design describes whether a study is qualitative or quantitative. It refers to the overall plan, blueprint, and scheme for conducting research. Researchers may utilize a historical design, descriptive design, or experimental design.

1. Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is textual, discursive, and exploratory in nature. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into problems and helps develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research.

Common Qualitative Data Collection Methods:

• Focus group discussions
• Individual interviews
• Participation/Observations

The sample size is typically small, with participants selected based on a specific purpose or quota.

Qualitative Research Methods

a. Phenomenology

Phenomenology seeks to identify the single, invariant essence of lived experiences.

Key Aspects:

• Understanding the philosophy of phenomenology, including the concept of bracketing.
• Developing research questions focused on participants’ lived experiences.
• Conducting interviews with 5-25 participants.
• Analyzing data by breaking down transcripts into statements, clustering them, and forming a general description.

Key Considerations:

• The researcher must set aside preconceived notions (bracketing).
• Some criticize phenomenology for assuming there is a single true essence of any experience.

b. Ethnography

Ethnography is a holistic qualitative method that focuses on studying group behavior and interactions in social settings.

Key Features:

• The researcher becomes immersed in the culture.
• The research design evolves over time.
• Multiple data collection techniques are used (interviews, participant/non-participant observations).
• Research occurs over a long period of time.

Challenges:

• The researcher’s status as an observer may be compromised.
• The researcher’s presence may influence participants’ behavior.
• Ethnography is time-consuming due to extended fieldwork.

c. Grounded Theory

Grounded Theory focuses on developing new theories based on collected data.

Key Features:

• Research starts with no pre-existing hypothesis, allowing concepts to emerge from data.
• Uses theoretical sampling based on evolving data needs.
• Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously, using a constant comparative method.
• Data collection continues until saturation is reached.

Example Application:

The grief process theory (denial, anger, acceptance, resolution) was developed using Grounded Theory.

d. Historical Method

The historical method analyzes past events to explain present conditions.

Key Features:

• Uses primary sources (eyewitness reports, original documents, recordings) and secondary sources (non-eyewitness accounts).
• Involves problem identification, data collection, evaluation, and synthesis.
• Validity is assessed by:
  • External criticism: Ensuring authenticity of historical documents.
  • Internal criticism: Identifying biases in sources.