Collecting data and designing experiments
Abstract
Planning is essential in any successful research project and deciding on what data to collect and how to collect it is not as simple as it may seem. There are many different methods available to collect data and the most suitable method will differ depending on the individual project. No matter which method is chosen sufficient time must be spent preparing and piloting the chosen method. This is to avoid situations where time and money have been spent and incorrect data, or data with no means of analysis have been collected. This article explains the use of some of the common methods of data collection (questionnaires, interviews, focus groups and experiments) giving examples of when their use might be appropriate within veterinary nursing research.
Planning involves deciding details such as when the data collection will take place, who will collect the data, and where data collection will take place. Design, on the other hand, focuses on how exactly the information required is going to be collected.
If done correctly all methods of data collection are capable of producing excellent reports. Likewise, if done poorly, it is possible to collect data of no meaning or which cannot be analyzed. Therefore planning and designing the method of data collection for a research study is extremely important.
This article aims to explain the most common methods of data collection with examples of when their use may be suitable.
Quantitative studies involve collection of numbers, percentages etc, whereas qualitative studies involve collection of descriptive words and sentences (Blumberg et al, 2011). When deciding on how to collect data for research it is important to consider the type of data required to meet the research aim, whether this be quantitative, qualitative or a combination of both.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.