Data Collection Challenges

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ADEDOYIN ADEOLA (SMC 00113746) Data Collection is key to research study and the type of research methods to be used in collecting relevant data determines the success of any research. Prasad (1993: 1404) suggests that symbolic interaction “rests on the assumption that every organizational situation is likely to be filled with multiple and frequently conflicting interpretations and meanings”. This encourages the use of multiple research methods to capture complexity and contradictions in the data. Accuracy and integrity of research data collection methods is the precursor for error-free research irrespective of methods either quantitative or qualitative data. Quality and validity of data are also vital issue developed during data collection.…show more content…
Other qualitative data collection method under Qualitative Design includes Participant Observation and focus group. The following are challenges faced with participant observation and the strategy to be deployed to overcome this. • Time consumption is a big challenge and this is mitigated by involving researchers who already possess a solid base of cultural awareness of the region or ethnography under study to be among the data collection team. • Challenge of data documentation and this is mitigated by strict discipline and diligence to expand researcher recorded thought or observation. • The objectivity in documenting researcher observation because this process is inherently subjective. This can be mitigated by offering a review of observation by team members and this will filter out subjectivity. This can also be done by providing adequate training to the team to enhance inter-observer…show more content…
Uncertainty in response rates and high probability of double entries which will introduce high significant error in the sampling and subsequently impair the quality of data. • Subjectivity in the Interview. These will be mitigated by well-organized questionnaire and the inherent subjectivity or Biasness can be mitigated by well –structured training for the data collectors and respondent by using a standardized interview protocol. In addition, technology and solid program can be used to mitigate this. Examples of such are computer-assisted survey information collection (CASIC) which brings onboard higher data quality , privacy of the respondent and error elimination during data processing. References Adamson, J., R. Gooberman-Hill, G. Woolhead, and J. Donovan (2004) Questerviews: Using Questionnaires in Qualitative Interviews as a Methods of Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Health Services Research. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy 9(3):139-145. Malhotra, N. (2008), ‘Completion time and response order effects in web surveys’, The
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