WEEK 2 Essay. Steps Involved In Collecting Data for the Research Topic

Social Research
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation 
 
Social Research
Steps Involved In Collecting Data for the Research Topic 
The process of data collection requires an individual to gather enough information that will be useful in making the right decisions. The steps involved in data collection for a chosen research topic include identifying opportunities and issues, picking out opportunities and issues and setting goals, developing an approach method, gathering information, analyzing and interpreting data, and lastly, acting on the results (Lodico, Spaulding, & Voegtle, 2010). The third step of planning an approach will involve determining the type of data to be collected, as well as determining the geographical location from which the data will be gathered from. The step will also determine whether the method used will be qualitative or quantitative.
Ethical Considerations for Research Measurement
 Nonetheless, the primary consideration is to ensure that the means of gathering information gathered and the purpose of collecting the data is compliant with the information and privacy protection legislation. However, several factors determine how data will be gathered and analyzed. These factors include context, the purpose of data collection, and the issue that is being analyzed (Lodico, Spaulding, & Voegtle, 2010). The issue of confidentiality is of great importance when measuring the data collected. Essentially, this means that the researcher must not share the information with other individuals who are not directly involved in the study. The issue of an individual’s right to service is also an important ethical consideration. Good research practice involves the use of a no-treatment control group. However, in cases where the treatment may be beneficial, the participants selected in the no-treatment control might feel that their right to equal access may be restricted. The issues of confidentiality and the right to service are important in ensuring that the researcher does not run up against the rights of the potential participants.
The Role of Reliability and Validity in Research Design
In research, reliability is important in addre...