Data Collection Methods--pros and cons (2)
The Pros and Cons of Data Collection Methods
Surveys
Pros Standardization Easy to do with a large group Ease of administration Ability to tap the "unseen" Suitability to tabulation and statistical analysis Sensitivity to subgroup differences Can be inexpensive Sample can be used to provide much information about a population Can provide an opportunity for many people to be involved in the decisionmaking process Can be used to record behaviors as well as opinions, attitudes, beliefs and attributes Usefulness enhances if combined with other methods, i.e., observation or case study
Cons Prone to error Requires a separate data-entry step More expensive Possible "interview evaluation" concern among respondents Samples must be carefully selected to ensure statistical meaning. Subject to misinterpretation, depending on how questions are designed and asked Tendency for scope of data to be limited--omission of underlying behavior-al patterns Time-consuming compared with less formal methods
Interviews
Pros Allows for clarification High response rate Able to gather in-depth information and to pursue hunches Can tailor the line of discussion to the individual Easier to reach those who are considered unreachable (the poor, homeless, high status, mobile, etc.) May be easier to reach specific individuals (i.e., community leaders, etc.) More personalized approach Easier to ask open-ended questions, use probes and pick up on nonverbal cues
Cons Reactive effect: interviewer's presence and characteristics may bias results Expensive Requires strong interviewing skills Slowest method of data collection and analysis Responses may be less honest and thoughtful Interviewer should go to location of respondent Respondents who prefer anonymity may be inhibited by personal approach May reach only a smaller sample Difficult to analyze and quantify results
Focus Groups
Pros Generate fresh ideas Allows clarification Efficiency of getting information from a number of people Provides immediate sharing and synthesis Works well with special participants Less expensive and faster than personal interviews Personalized approach Group members stimulate each other
Activity Observations
Pros Setting is natural, flexible and unstructured Evaluator may make his/her identity know or remain anonymous Evaluator may actively participate or observe passively Can be combined with a variety of other data collection methods Generates relevant, quantifiable data Most useful for studying a "small unit" such as a classroom, Extension Council, etc.
Cons Moderately time consuming Moderately expensive Subject interpretation High cost per participant Lack of confidentiality Respondents who prefer anonymity may be inhibited by personal approach Input may be unbalanced because some group members dominate Group members and interviewer can bias responses Maybe difficult to analyze or quantify data
Cons Requires skilled observer The evaluator has less control over the situation in a natural environment Hawthorne effect--if group is aware that they are being observed, resulting behavior may be affected Observations cannot be generalized to entire population unless a plan for representativeness is developed If observer chooses to be involved in the activity, he/she may lose objectivity Not realistic for use with large groups
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