The most popular primary data-collection method is the structured direct survey.
Once the research problem is defined and research design is laid out, the task of data collection begins. There are two types of data, i.e. primary data and secondary data. The data collection methods of these two types of data differ, because, in the case of primary data, the collection of data must be original, while in secondary data, data collection is much like a compilation. Show
The different methods of collecting primary data, like observation, interview, questionnaire, schedule and so on. Many think that questionnaire and interview are one and the same thing, but there are a lot of differences between these two. Content: Questionnaire Vs Interview
Comparison ChartBasis for ComparisonQuestionnaireInterviewMeaningQuestionnaire implies a form consisting of a series of written or printed multiple choice questions, to be marked by the informants.Interview is a formal conversation between the interviewer and respondent wherein the two participates in the question answer session.FormWrittenOralNatureObjectiveSubjectiveQuestionsClosed EndedOpen EndedInformation providedFactualAnalyticalOrder of questionsCannot be changed, as they are written in an appropriate sequence.Can be changed as per need and preference.CostEconomicalExpensiveTimeInformant's own timeReal timeCommunicationOne to manyOne to oneNon-responseHighLowIdentity of respondentUnknownKnownDefinition of QuestionnaireQuestionnaire refers to a research instrument, in which a series of question, is typed or printed along with the choice of answers, expected to be marked by the respondents, used for survey or statistical study. It consists of aformalisedd set of questions, in a definite order on a form, which are mailed to the respondents or manually delivered to them for answers. The respondents are supposed to read, comprehend and give their responses, in the space provided. A ‘Pilot Study’ is advised to be conducted to test the questionnaire before using this method. A pilot survey is nothing but a preliminary study or say rehearsal to know the time, cost, efforts, reliability and so forth involved in it. Definition of InterviewThe interview is a data collection method wherein a direct, in-depth conversation between interviewer and respondent takes place. It is carried out with a purpose like a survey, research, and the like, where both the two parties participate in the one to one interaction. Under this method, oral-verbal stimuli are presented and replied by way of oral-verbal responses. It is considered as one of the best methods for collecting data because it allows two way exchange of information, the interviewer gets to know about the respondent, and the respondent learns about the interviewer. There are two types of interview:
Key Differences Between Questionnaire and InterviewThe difference between questionnaire and interview can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
ConclusionSo, whatever method you use for your research project, to collect information, it must fulfil your requirements. As both the methods have their pros and cons, it cannot be said which method is best, i.e. while questionnaire method takes more time, interview method requires high investment. So, you can choose any of the two, considering your needs and expectations from the data collected. What is the fastest method of survey data collection?Email and Web page surveys are the fastest methods, followed by telephone interviewing. Mail surveys are the slowest. Personal interviews are the most expensive followed by telephone and then mail. Email and Web page surveys are the least expensive for large samples.
Which method is not collecting primary data?Experiment is not a method of data collection. Experiment is a procedure which can be repeated for indefinite times. It is also known as trial.
What is a technique used to obtain primary data?Primary data can be collected in a number of ways. However, the most common techniques are self-administered surveys, interviews, field observation, and experiments.
What are the two main types of research instruments used to collect primary data?Surveys and questionnaires are 2 similar tools used in collecting primary data. They are a group of questions typed or written down and sent to the sample of study to give responses.
|