Data gathering and research methods

Data collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. One of the main goals is to gather accurate and reliable data. Data collection methods have a big impact on the research in overall. Thus it is one of the crucial tasks of any research to choose which method is more appropriate. (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 2012.)

There are two basic approaches to data collections using primary methods: Qualitative Data Collection and Quantitative Data Collection. Both of them have own advantages and disadvantages. (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 2012.)

Basically Quantitative Data Collection involves the use of numbers to information, which can be evaluated using statistical analysis. There are many techniques that can be used to collect data in a quantitative research; however all of them geared towards numerical collection. It includes: observation, interview, questionnaires, scales and etc. One of the advantages of this research is ability to measure and analyze data, findings are more objective, however the emotions, feelings, insights, motives, intents, views and opinions of the subject are not taken into account. (Knowthis LLC 2012.)

Qualitative Data Collection usually referred to as “touchy-feely” research, data gathered most often without statistical support. Qualitative mostly tries to answer question “why” through the analysis of unstructured information like interviews, open ended survey responses, emails, notes, feedback forms, photos and videos. The researcher gains more detailed and rich data. However the information is interpreted according to the researcher view, another disadvantage is that this method is very time consuming. (Jones, C. 2011.)

For our research we decided to combine both of the methods qualitative and quantitative, letting the two complement each other (Experiment-resources 2009). From one hand qualitative research allows to get individual in-depth information through interview, feedback graphs and open-ended questions in surveys. In this way we will try to figure out people’s attitudes, motivations, aspirations and behaviors. From other hand quantitative research will provide statistics which allow comparing data and answering on such questions as: what are the most effective leadership styles and ways of communication and etc.

Methodology

There are many ways of reaching target audience. We have chosen the following approaches: Web-based surveys, surveys (printouts), individual interview.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16