DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Reading And Researching In Social Change

Reading and researching in Social Change

I. Introduction

This paper compares and contrasts two data collection methods by using two different articles related to the social change and these articles are as follows: “Social responsibility in adulthood: Ontogenetic and sociocultural” and “Arbitrary norms and social change in high- and low-authoritarian societies”. The Data-collection techniques used are Interviews, and Focus groups.

Data-collection techniques allow us to systematically collect information about our objects of study (people, objects, phenomena) and about the settings in which they occur. In the collection of data we have to be systematic. If data are collected haphazardly, it will be difficult to answer our research questions in a conclusive way.

Example:

During a nutrition survey three different weighing scales were used in three villages. The researchers did not record which scales were used in which village. After completion of the survey it was discovered that the scales were not standardised and indicated different weights when weighing the same child. It was therefore impossible to conclude in which village malnutrition was most prevalent. (Abramson, 1990, 63-71)

Various data collection techniques can be used such as:

Using available information

Observing

Interviewing (face-to-face)

Administering written questionnaires

Focus group discussions

Projective techniques, mapping, scaling

Advantages and disadvantages of various data collection techniques

Table 10A.2 summarises the advantages and disadvantages of various data collection techniques.

II. Importance Of Combining Different Data Collection Techniques

When discussing different data collection techniques and their advantages and disadvantages, it becomes clear that they can complement each other. A skilful use of a combination of different techniques can reduce the chance of bias (see below) and will give a more comprehensive understanding of the topic under study. (Abramson, 1990, 63-71)

Researchers often use a combination of flexible and less flexible research techniques.

Flexible techniques, such as;

loosely structured interviews using open-ended questions,

focus group discussions

participant observation

are also called qualitative research techniques. They produce qualitative data that is often recorded in narrative form. (Moser, 1989, 35-55)

Qualitative Research Techniques involve the identification and exploration of a number of often mutually related variables that give INSIGHT in human behaviour (motivations, opinions, attitudes), in the nature and causes of certain problems and in the consequences of the problems for those affected. 'Why', 'What' and 'How' are important questions.

Structured questionnaires that enable the researcher to quantify pre- or post-categorised answers to questions are an example of Quantitative research techniques. The answers to questions can be counted and expressed numerically.

Quantitative Research Techniques are used to QUANTIFY the size, distribution, and association of certain variables in a study population. 'How many?' 'How often?' and 'How significant?' are important questions. (Moser, 1989, 35-55) Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques are often used within a single study. (Moser, 1989, 35-55)

For example:

It has been observed in country X those children between 1 and 2-1/2 years, who have already started to eat independently, have unsatisfactory food intake once they fall ill. A study could be designed to address this problem, containing the following stages:

Focus group discussions (FGDs) with 2 to 5 groups of mothers ...