Comparing Data Collection Methods. Literature & Language Essay
Saldaña, J. (2016). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Chapter 1, “An Introduction to Codes and Coding (pp. 1–42) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)
Chapter 2, “Writing Analytic Memos About Narrative and Visual Data” (pp. 43–65)
Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Chapter 12, “Data Analysis in the Responsive Interviewing Model” (pp. 189–211) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)
Chapter 14, “Personal Reflections on Responsive Interviewing”
For this Discussion, you will explore different data collection methods and draw comparisons. You also will examine strengths, weaknesses, and the challenges they may present.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review this week’s Learning Resources related to codes and coding.
Consider the similarities and differences in the data collected from your interview and from the transcripts of the Scholars of Change videos.
Consider the other data collection methods you studied (focus groups, reviews of documents and social media; and your own memos and notes).
Review your Major Assignment 1, paying attention to the alignment between your research question and considerations for data collection.
Post a response to the following:
> From the data you collected and other data collection methods you studied, compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of at least two data collection methods. Include an explanation of your experience using these different data collection methods. >Also, include an explanation of what you found difficult or challenging and why.
> Explain how you as the researcher can ensure that your choices for data collection align with your research questions.
Data Collection Methods
Author Name
Institution Affiliation
Data is usually collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. The qualitative approach aims to address the “why” and “how” of a program, and data collected through this method is unstructured and unorganized. In the quantitative method, a number of statistical techniques are taken care of, and the data collected through this approach is structured and well-organized. Compared to the quantitative method, the qualitative approach is easy and straightforward (Saldaña, 2016). Questions asked during this technique are open-ended such as “did you enjoy participating in the program,” and “how would you like us to improve the user experience.” This method includes focus groups, interviews, group discussions and surveys; all of these techniques have their own strengths and weaknesses. One of the core benefits of the qualitative method is that it is cheap, reliable and easy to implement.
The study we conducted consisted of surveys and interviews, and it was a good experience by the whole. We collected sufficient data in a short time and were able to transform unstructured information into organized one by spending extra hours.
Surveys
Strengths
* Surveys are easy to conduct.
* A lot of software and automated programs are available to create automated surveys.
* There is no restriction on how much data we can collect through this procedure.
* The responses of participants are recorded instantly and can be quickly saved in the computer.
* Surveys are self-reported by participants, meaning the researcher needs not to invite them separately (Rubin & Rubin, 2016).
Weaknesses
* The chances of getting incorrect information are always high.
* If a survey ...