Data collection tools: Interview and Questionnaire Methods

Pradeep PResearch Scholar

Guide Dr. N.S. Harinarayana

Data are special type of information, generally obtained through observation, surveys, enquiries, or are generated as a result of human activity.

Primary Data are collected afresh & for the first time, specially for the designed study.

Secondary Data have already been collected & compiled by someone else.

Introduction

Observation Interviewing Mail survey Experimentation Simulation and Projective technique.

Methods of data collection

The Interview schedule is referred to as a form filled in during a personal interview in which both the interviewers as well as the respondent are present. It contains a set of questions which are asked and then the columns are filled in by an interviewer in a face to face situation

Interview Method

According to Monette et al. (1986:156), ‘an interview involves an interviewer reading questions to respondents and recording their answers’.

According to Burns (1997: 329), ‘an interview is a verbal interchange, often face to face though the telephone may be used, in which an interviewer tries to elicit information, beliefs or opinions from another person’.

Definition of Interview

Structured and Unstructured interview Focused interview Clinical interview Depth interview

Types of Interview methods

The interview is more appropriate for complex situations.

It is useful for collecting in-depth information. Information can be supplemented. Questions can be explained. Interviewing has a wider application.

Advantages of Interview

Interviewing is time consuming and expensive. The quality of data depends upon the quality of the

interaction. The quality of data depends upon the quality of the

interviewer. The quality of data may vary when may interviewers are

used. The researcher may introduce his/her bias.

Disadvantages of Interview

Questionnaire is the structured set of questions usually sent by mail, though sometimes it is delivered by hand also.

Questionnaire is described as “a document that contains a set of questions, the answers to which are to be provided personally by the respondents”.

Questionnaire Method

Preparation Constructing the first draft Self-evaluation External evaluation Revision Pre-test or Pilot study Revision Second pre-testing Preparing final draft

Steps in questionnaire construction

Lower cost Time saving Accessibility to widespread respondents No interviewer’s bias Greater anonymity Respondent’s convenience Standard wordings No Variation

Advantages of Questionnaire

The mailed questionnaires can be used only for educated people.

Sometimes different respondent’s interpreted questions differently

Questionnaires do not provide an opportunity to collect additional information

Researchers are not sure whether the person to whom the questionnaire was mailed has himself answered the questions.

Many questions remain unanswered The respondent can consult other persons before filling

in the questionnaire.

Disadvantages of questionnaire

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