Statistics Assignment: Methods of Data Collection and Analysis

This assignment delves into the methods of data collection within the field of statistics. It begins by categorizing data collection into primary and secondary methods, further differentiating primary methods into quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data, derived from measurable calculations, is typically collected through close-ended questionnaires and is amenable to statistical analysis. Qualitative data, focusing on non-numerical aspects like feelings and opinions, is gathered through open-ended surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The assignment also explores the use of secondary data from published sources. It then discusses the appropriate application of each method, highlighting the use of closed-ended surveys for quantitative data and open-ended surveys and interviews for qualitative data. The assignment concludes with an annotated bibliography of relevant sources, including books and articles that discuss research methods, data collection techniques, and various research designs.

Running head: Statistics
Student
Name of the University
Name of the Student

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Table of Contents
Q1...............................................................................................................................................3
Q2...............................................................................................................................................3
Annotated Bibliography and References:..................................................................................5

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Q1.
Describe each of the available methods that may be used.
Collection of data can be divided into two broad categories: primary methods of data
collection and secondary method of data collection.
Primary data can be either quantitative or qualitative.
Quantitative data arises from measurable mathematical calculations. Ways of collecting
quantitative data are by questionnaires with close ended questions which can then be tested
using standard statistical techniques. Quantitative data are relatively easier to implement,
cheaper and can be quickly compared with other findings.
Qualitative research methods arise when numbers are not relevant to the context of the
research. For example when the investigation is regarding words, sounds, feelings or
emotions it is hard to quantify them with numbers. Thus a new way of collecting data is
formed which is also collected by interview, questionnaires, focus groups, case studies etc.
Secondary data are the data that is already collected and is collected in published books,
online journals, newspapers etc. Generally in any area there is a huge amount of data the
research needs to be done and successful implementation of research depends on selection of
good secondary sources.
In case of complex research a mixture of primary and secondary data collection can be used.
Q2.
When is it appropriate to use each of these methods, and under which design are they most
appropriate?

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For quantitative data collection, often close ended surveys or quizzes give respondents fixed
answers to choose from. The questions can be based on categorical or scale level of
measurement. Rating scale and Likert scale are some of the most used scales that are used.
In case of qualitative data collection, open ended surveys or questionnaires are used that offer
the respondent more freedom to answer. One on one interviews or direct observation are also
used often in qualitative data collection method.

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Annotated Bibliography and References:
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real world research. John Wiley & Sons.
The book deals with real world research and covers a wide range of topics. The various data
collection methods are briefly discussed in the chapter The Methods of Data
Collection. Among the discussed methods are detailed ways to conduct interviews,
make surveys and questionnaires, test and scales etc.
Walliman, N. (2017). Research methods: The basics. Routledge.
This books covers the various ways of conducting research, different types of research
designs and ways of implementing them by practical means. Also real life problems
in conducting research are briefly mentioned.
Hennink, M., Hutter, I. and Bailey, A., 2020. Qualitative research methods. SAGE
Publications Limited.
In this book a brief discussion of various qualitative methods used in research designs are
explored and which cases are best explored by this strategy are also talked about in
details.
Alshenqeeti, H. (2014). Interviewing as a data collection method: A critical review. English
linguistics research, 3(1), 39-45.
In this article interview as a method of data collection is discussed at length for both
qualitative and quantitative research method. The flaws and merits of open ended
interviews and close ended interviews are discussed and examples of cases are given.

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