MK346 – Undergraduate Dissertation Preparation

Part I - Data Collection and Analysis - Collecting and

Analysing Quantitative Data

GENERATING QUANTITATIVE DATA

Primary Sources census v survey

Secondary Sources official, unofficial and electronic

Primary Data Collection Methods

Observation Interview (semi-structured & in-depth) Questionnaire

Postal Telephone Interview/Face-to-Face Electronic

SAMPLING METHODSMain Techniques

Simple Random Sampling

Stratified Random Sampling

Purposive Sampling

Convenience Sampling

Quota Sampling

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN

Don’t underestimate the length of time it will take to devise a questionnaire – several iterations are needed.

Always use a pilot study. Keep it short – ask only key questions that are

central to the fact finding mission. Use predominantly closed-ended questions,

with only selective use of open-ended questions.

Keep in mind how you are going to analyse the questionnaire responses at this stage.

DISTRIBUTING THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Distribute with a covering letter detailing who you are and the purpose of the study.

Are you guaranteeing confidentiality or anonymity? Remember the NBS guidelines relating to Ethics?

Try to provide an incentive to complete the questionnaire.

Use a stamped self-addressed envelope, where possible.

The questionnaire may need a code number to ensure you can identify the respondent when it is returned.

CODING AND ANALYSIS TOOLS

Manual coding on the questionnaire.

Transcribing codes into computer format. General business software - EXCEL Statistical software – SPSS, MINITAB

(Usually transferable between packages)

ANALYSIS

One-dimensional Analysis (EXCEL/SPSS) Tabulation Graphical Presentation Summary Measures

Two-dimensional Analysis (SPSS) Cross-tabulation Correlation analysis Significance tests

• These will be covered via an SPSS demo in the next part of the class.

SUMMARY A questionnaire can be an effective means of collecting

quantitative data, but its design is critical.

Always think about analysis at the design stage.

Utilise appropriate software when analysing your data – don’t even think of a manual analysis!

A questionnaire is best used for fact finding – it is generally unsuitable for opinion based research, in which case other research methods should be used.

Writing your research methods chapter Justify the selection of a quantitative research

approach. Describe and justify the method of data

collection, i.e. questionnaire. Discuss the pilot process, changes and final

implementation. Link the contents of the measurement tool to

the key outcomes of the literature review. Describe and justify the sample of participants,

are they representative? How were ethical issues covered.