Techniques of Data Collection
Techniques of Data Collection Hey Mumbai University SYBA IDOL students! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Sociology Of Development , exploring about – “Techniques of Data Collection“. These methods are very important because they help us collect information, analyze data, and understand society in a better way. First, we will study the survey approach. We will discuss how surveys are done, along with their merits and demerits, so you know when this method is useful and when it has problems. Next, we will learn about questionnaires—what they are, their types, and how to frame good questions for a questionnaire. We will also discuss their advantages and limitations, so you can use them properly while doing research. We will then focus on the case study method, where you study a single case or example in detail. We will talk about its significance, characteristics, and also its limitations. This will help you understand why case studies are so popular in social research. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of these data collection techniques, their uses, and their challenges. So, SYBA IDOL Mumbai University students, get ready to unwrap the “Techniques of Data Collection” with customized IDOL notes just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together Follow Us For More Updates Instagram Telegram Whatsapp Question 1 :- Explain Survey Approach. What are the merits & demerits of using a survey method? Introduction: The survey approach is one of the most widely used techniques in social research for collecting data. It helps researchers understand opinions, behaviors, attitudes, or factual information from a large number of people within a community or a specific area. The main aim of using a survey approach is to gather reliable and valid data in an organized manner, which can then be analyzed to understand social phenomena better. This approach is particularly important because it allows researchers to reach many respondents efficiently, especially when the area of study is wide and the subject matter is complex. The survey approach, when properly designed and executed, provides a solid foundation for making decisions, framing policies, and developing theories in social sciences. What is the Survey Approach? The survey approach involves systematically collecting information by asking questions to a representative group of people. These questions can be asked through interviews, questionnaires, or using electronic means such as online surveys. The central idea is to gather data about people’s opinions, experiences, or facts related to specific issues or topics. It aims to get a clear picture of the social, economic, political, or cultural aspects of society. Surveys can be conducted as personal interviews, telephonic interviews, mailed questionnaires, or online forms, depending on the nature of research and resources available. The survey approach is highly flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for diverse fields such as market research, social work, public health, education, and politics. A – Steps Involved in the Survey Approach: Defining the Objectives: Clearly establishing what information is needed. Designing the Questionnaire or Schedule: Creating relevant and unbiased questions. Sampling: Selecting a sample that accurately represents the entire population. Data Collection: Administering the survey through interviews or distributing questionnaires. Data Processing: Organizing and coding the responses for analysis. Analysis and Interpretation: Making sense of the data and drawing conclusions. Reporting: Sharing the findings with stakeholders or the community. B – Merits of Using a Survey Method: Ability to Cover Large Areas and Populations: Surveys can reach a large number of respondents across different geographic locations. This helps in getting comprehensive data that reflects the views of diverse groups of people. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other methods like direct observation or personal interviews, surveys (especially questionnaires) are less expensive and save resources. Sending questionnaires by mail or online reduces travel and staffing costs. Time Saving: Properly designed surveys can be administered to many respondents simultaneously. Online surveys further hasten data collection compared to face-to-face interviews. Quantitative and Reliable Data Collection: Surveys produce quantifiable data, making it easier to analyze statistically. This helps in testing hypotheses and establishing facts. Standardized Responses: The use of structured questionnaires ensures uniformity in questions, reducing interviewer bias and making responses comparable. Flexibility in Data Collection: Surveys can be conducted through different mediums like face-to-face, phone, mail, or internet, making them adaptable to different contexts. Facilitates Comparison: Data gathered can be compared across different groups, regions, or time periods, helping in trend analysis and policy formulation. Reduces Interviewer Bias: Since respondents fill in answers themselves, there is less influence from the interviewer, leading to more honest responses. C – Demerits of Using a Survey Method: Time Consuming and Resource Intensive: Designing, distributing, collecting, and analyzing surveys takes a lot of time and effort, especially if the response rate is low. Low Response Rate: Many people may not respond or may give incomplete or careless answers, which affects data quality. Misinterpretation of Questions: Respondents may misunderstand questions, leading to unreliable data. Clear, simple questions are necessary but not always easy to design. Limited Depth of Information: Surveys often collect quantitative data, which might not explain ‘why’ or ‘how’ people think or behave. They lack qualitative depth. Sampling Errors: If the sample is not properly selected, results may not represent the whole population. This can lead to biased or inaccurate findings. Potential Biases: Respondents may give socially desirable answers or hide true opinions, especially on sensitive issues. Dependence on Respondent Honesty: The accuracy of data depends on how honestly respondents answer. Dishonest or socially unacceptable answers can distort results. Limited Flexibility: Once a questionnaire is prepared, it cannot be changed easily. If issues are discovered later, modification becomes difficult. Conclusion: The survey approach remains a powerful and popular tool in social research because of its ability to gather data from a large number of people efficiently and reliably. When designed carefully, it provides valuable insights that can guide policy and decision-making. However, it also has disadvantages like being time-consuming, prone to errors, and sometimes limited in depth. Researchers must weigh these merits and demerits and adopt best practices to ensure that surveys
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