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M E R L I N G E O RG E
I. OBSERVATION METHOD
Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliability Under observation the information is sought by way of investigators own direct observation without asking from the respondent
OBSERVATION METHOD
Main advantages are: Subjective bias is eliminated The information relates to what is currently happening This method is independent of respondents willingness to respond
OBSERVATION METHOD
Main Limitations are: It is expensive The information provided by this method is very limited Unforeseen factors may interfere with the observation task
TYPES OF OBSERVATION
Essentially two types: 1. Structured vs. Unstructured Observation 2. Participant vs. Non-participant Observation
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
PI Method requires the interviewer asking questions in a face-to-face contact with the person Collecting information thru PI is structured the use of a set of predetermined questions and highly standardized techniques of recording
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
Thus, the interviewer in a structured interview follows a rigid procedure, asking questions in a form and order prescribed In unstructured interviews there is a flexibility of approach to questioning Unstructured interviews do not follow a system of pre-determined questions and standardized techniques of recording information
ADVANTAGES
1. 2. More information and in greater depth can be obtained Resistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewer Greater flexibility an opportunity to restructure questions Observation method can also be applied to recording verbal answers Personal information can be obtained Possibility of spontaneous responses and thus more honest responses
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DISADVANTAGES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Expensive method Interviewer bias Respondent bias Time consuming Under the interview method the organization required for selecting, training, and supervising the field staff is complex with formidable problems Establishing rapport to facilitate free and frank responses is very difficult
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DEMERITS
1. 2. 3. 4. Low rate of return Respondents need to be educated and cooperative Inbuilt inflexibility Possibility of ambiguous replies or omission of items This method is slow
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FEATURES OF A QUESTIONNAIRE
Questionnaire is the heart of a survey needs to be carefully constructed Need to understand the features of the Questionnaire its general form, question sequence and question formulation and the wording of the questions
1. GENERAL FORM
May be either structured or unstructured Structured Questionnaires are those in which there are definite, concrete, predetermined questions The questions are presented with exactly the same wording and in the same order to all respondents The form of the questions may be either closed (yes or no) or open (inviting free responses
GENERAL FORM
Structured Questionnaires may also have fixed alternative questions in which responses are limited to the stated alternatives Thus, a highly structured Questionnaire is one in which all the questions and answers are specified and comments in the respondents own words are held to the minimum Unstructured Questionnaire when the above characteristics are absent, it is known as a unstructured Questionnaire The Interviewer is provided with a general guideline on the type of information to be obtained
2. QUESTION SEQUENCE
Proper sequence is needed to elicit valid responses Sequence must be clear that is, the relation of one question to the next To establish rapport and to gain cooperation from the respondent difficult questions, personal questions etc should preferably come at the appropriate time rather than at the beginning
S E C O N DA RY DATA M U S T P O S S E S S T H E F O L L OW I N G C H A R AC T E R I S T I C S :
Reliability of data may be tested by checking: Who collected the data? What were the sources of the data? Was the data collected properly? Suitability of data data that are suitable for one enquiry may not be necessarily suitable in another enquiry Therefore, the researcher must scrutinize the definition of various terms and units of collection. Also, the objectives, scope and nature of the original enquiry must be studied Adequacy of data the data will be considered inadequate, if they are related to an area which may be either narrower or wider than the area of the present enquiry
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