Data Collection Techniques and Tools

Ø  What is Data?

Data is the plural of Latin word “Datum” which means any information that is given or provided for the solution of a problem.

Ø  Types of Data

• Primary Data: those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character. 

• Secondary Data: those which have already been collected by someone else and which have already been passed through the statistical process.

• Categorical Data: Those data which are divided into groups or categories.                        

                             -Nominal Data (e.g. male/female)
                             -Ordinal Data: rank based (e.g. low, middle, high)

• Numerical Data: Those values and observations which are based on numbers and can be measured. 

                              - Discrete Data (e.g. number of patients)
                              - Continuous (e.g. blood pressure, weight)

Ø  Sources of Data

Primary data collection uses surveys, experiments, interviews, questionnaires or direct observations. Primary data has not been published yet and is more reliable, authentic and objective. 

Secondary data collection may be conducted by collecting information from a diverse source of documents or electronically stored information, census and market studies. Sources of secondary data can be listed as follows: 

• Published Printed Sources 
• Books 
• Reports (government, non-government) 
• Record Database, Record file/Register 
• Journals/E-journals 
• Magazines/Newspapers 
• Published Electronic Sources 
• General website, blogs 
• Grey literatures

Ø  Data Collection Techniques and Tools

Data collection technique is a process of gathering information on targeted variables in an established systematic fashion, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. 

Data collection instrument/tool refers to the device or guideline used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system, etc.

There are several data collection techniques and tools which are as follows:

a.      Interview:

Interview is a systematic procedure with scientific purpose where verbal information is produced by posing specific questions to the subject of interest.

                      i. Face to face Interview

                     ii. In-depth interview

                    iii. Key Informant Interview

                    iv. Based on structure: Structured, Semi-Structured, Unstructured

b.     Observation:

Observation relies on the researchers’ ability to gather data through their senses and allows researchers to document actual behavior rather than responses related to behavior.

1. Descriptive observation: the observer simply write down what he/she observes
2. Inferential observations: the observer may write down an observation that is inferred by the subject’s body language and behavior.
3. Evaluative observation: the observer makes an inference and therefore a judgment from the behavior. The findings should be made sure to be replicated.

c.      Self-administered questionnaire

Questionnaire is a group or sequence of questions designed to collect information from an informant or respondent when completed unaided by the respondent. In case of inability to complete the questionnaire by the respondent, he/she can be asked by the interviewer and assisted by the interviewer to complete the questionnaire.

d. Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

A focus group discussion (FGD) is an in-depth field method that brings together a small homogeneous group (usually six to twelve persons) to discuss topics on a study agenda. The purpose of this discussion is to use the social dynamics of the group, with the help of a moderator/facilitator, to stimulate participants to reveal underlying opinions, attitudes, and reasons for their behavior.

e. Anthropometric Measurements

Anthropometric measurements are used to assess the size, shape, and composition of the human body such as BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, skin-fold test, etc. in order to determine status under study consideration like nutritional status, etc. for identifying needs and goals of the study and planning health care or community programs to address the health issues and problems in that community. There are various types of measurements:

                         - Anthropometry

                         - Biomedical Tests

                         - Clinical Observations

f. Record Review

Record review is the technique used for secondary data collection. A record is composed of fields and contains all the data about one particular person, company, or item in a database.