RESEARCH WRITING

Research Writing on Opportunities of Business Expansion

[Name of the Institute]Task 1

Data Collection Methods and Sampling Approaches

Data collection methods vary for different types of data. Is data is qualitative the methods include measurements and sampling approaches include checking the records. If data is quantitative the methods of collecting data are questionnaires and the sampling approaches are surveys. Research is broadly categorized as primary research and secondary research.

Primary Research

Primary research is done by analysing fresh data that is collected for the research on first hand. The data collected in a primary research is called primary data. (Kothari, 2009, pp. 95).

Qualitative approach of a research is to look closely into a focused sample and to do in depth analysis. Usually qualitative research is done in social sciences and very rarely in marketing research. The results of research with qualitative are more effective and valid as the analysis is done on a focused group. On the other hand quantitative research is done for a large sample size and allow for different variations in the data. The results of quantitative research are more general than that of qualitative research. In quantitative research the objective is usually to analyse what is happening and to what extent but to answer questions like how something is happening and why, qualitative approach is useful (Goertz & Mahoney, 2012, pp. 6).

Sampling is a process of collecting data and analysing it for a subgroup of population called a sample. A sample has a size for that collecting data and analysing is cost effective and easier. Sampling also provides a facility of controlling the data through choosing respondents according to their properties. Sampling must be done in a research when the population is very large and where a control over data is required such as dividing observations into control and treatment groups (Thompson, 2012, pp).

Before sampling a researcher must make a sampling frame. A sampling frame helps in identifying exactly whether an element of population belongs to the sample or not. Whatever method applied for sampling, a sample frame minimizes the chances of error in data collection. Following are the different methods of sampling.

Random Sampling: in this method each element of the sampling frame has an equal chance of occurrence in the sample. Random sample is generated every time the data is collected. Advantage of random sampling is the minimum biasness in data and the disadvantage of random sampling is that it does not provide any control on the data.

Panel Sampling: a sample generated through random sampling is becomes a panel and the same sample is used for collection of data every time. Advantage of panel sampling is that it is best for analysing time effect of a treatment. Disadvantage is that as the same sample is surveyed every time biasness may occur.

Accidental Sampling: in this method a situation or source decided according to the convenience and whichever respondent is available is surveyed. Disadvantage of this method is that the results cannot be generalized while the only advantage is the ...