Principles of Data Management and Presentation by Hoffmann John P. Dr

Author:Hoffmann, John P., Dr.
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780520289956
Publisher: University of California Press

PRINCIPLES FOR PRIMARY DATA

As a reminder, here is a simplified list of the typical steps researchers go through to collect primary data:

1. Decide on a research question, set of questions, or hypotheses that motivate the project. Consider the specific concepts that need to be assessed.

2. Determine what types of data are needed to measure the concepts and answer the questions or test the hypotheses. What is the unit of observation?

3. Consider from whom or from what to gather the data. For example, if a sample is planned, what is the target population and how should sample members be drawn from it? Given the budget and analytic expectations, what is the appropriate sample size? There may not be a clear target population or the idea of a sample may not fit the assumptions of the project. In any event, establish the source of the data.

4. Decide on procedures for collecting the data, from sampling to administration. This includes when, where, and how to collect the data.

5. Develop the data collection instrument(s). This might include questionnaires, observational protocols, interview guides, or other approaches. Consider the best methods and instruments for measuring the concepts.

6. Pretest the instruments.

7. Administer the instruments to the sample of research participants. Or gather the relevant information in some fashion, such as by engaging in ethnographic observations and informal interviews.

8. Transfer the information gleaned from the instruments or other data gathering tools to electronic files.

There are obviously specific steps and variations that any project may need to consider—such as getting permission to do the study from review boards or responsible parties, as well as establishing how the data will be protected from disclosure—but this list provides a broad outline from which to understand primary data collection. There are several good books that provide practical details about the most common types of data collection efforts (see Groves et al. 2009 [survey research]; Harris 2008 [experiments]; Stake 2012 [qualitative research]; and Thomas 2011 [case studies]).

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