Question

choose a data that research interests, taking into consideration that the data consists qualitative and quantitative variables. (using the available data sources, i.e. questionnaire, records, approved electronic sites, ....etc.)

please solve it clearly and make sure it's correct 100%

Answer 1

After research design and measurement strategies are selected, the next step of research is to identify an appropriate method of data collection. The word "data" is the plural form of "datum", which means information that is systematically collected in the course of the study. Research data refers to that data which is collected from records, interviews, questionnaires or even from previous literature for the purpose of analysis to produce results.

Data collection is the systematic process of gathering and measuring information from a variety of sources to get a complete and accurate picture of area of study. That data should contain qualitative and quantitative variables.

1. Qualitative variables :- Qualitative variables are those variables, which cannot be measure with certainty or that don't have any numerical representation. For examples like sex, color, type of work etc. Qualitative variables are classified into two they are, ordinal and nominal variables

• Ordinal variables :- These variables can be arranged in orders, sequence or ranking. For example educational level data (High school, secondary school, university)
• Nominal variables :- These variables can be grouped into one category from several category. For example gender.

2. Quantitative variables :- These are those variables with some numerical representation and they contain some information numerically. For example age, height and weight etc.Quantitative variables are classified into two they are, Numerical and continuous variables.

• Numerical variables :- These are those variables that are discrete in nature. For example Number of classrooms in a college.
• Continuous variables :- These are those variables whose values are continuous in nature. For example height.

PURPOSES OF DATA COLLECTION

• Data collection helps the researchers to discover the answers to their research questions and hypothesis.
• The results of research are directly dependent on the data collection and its analysis.
• Data collection process is the integral to producing reliable evidence for nursing practice.

TYPES OF DATA COLLECTION METHODS

1. Primary data collection :- It involves collection of the data directly from the subject. The various primary data collection methods include Questionnaires, surveys, projective techniques etc.
2. Secondary data collection :- It involves the use of data that were collected for another purpose but used in the current research study. Examples are records, diaries, previous research, published or unpublished reports etc.

DATA SOURCES

1. Questionnaire

• It is proforma containing series of questions in a self-report form designed to elicit informations.
• The informations can be taken through a written form or a verbal responses of the subject.
• Questioning is the method or technique to collect the data.
• Questionnaires allows access to sample distributed over large geographical area.
• It is less expensive, particularly in terms of time used to collect the data.
• It is flexible to use and easy to tabulate data.

2. Records

• Records are a compilation of writings and figures. These are a valuable and beneficial source for nursing research.
• Institutional records serves as a potential data source for qualitative researcher like diaries and letters, organizational policy documents etc.
• Records are more economical
• Records are available in their pure form and it save a lot of time during data collection.
• It helps to obtain the data by an unobstructed method.
• Records have large quantity of information and it helps the researcher a considerable choice in data collection.  

3. Approved electronic sites

• Data gathering through electronic sites are most effective fed for analysis with any need for further data cleaning.
• Electronic sites have high response rate while searching for data.
• It is cost effective and less time consuming.
• Lack of familiarity and connectivity are the drawback of this method if data collection
• It helps to speed up the data collection process
• The accuracy of data is more in electronic sites.
• All the informations are easily available in the fingertip.
• Data security is the challenge in using electronic sites for data collection.