Have you ever heard about research without data collection? Obviously, you haven’t. Data collection is a major aspect of any research. The method of data collection can be different for different researches. But without data collection, you cannot draft effective research. There are two main categories of data collection. The first one is that of primary data collection. Whereas the other one is that of secondary data collection. In research work, most researchers prefer to go for primary data collection. Primary data is the simplest approach for them. Research has to go for direct sources in primary data collection. These include interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and related experiments. For such cases, you have to approach the audience directly. It is the best way to ensure original data for your research. But it doesn’t mean that you can select any method as per your choice.
Apart from giving ease, primary data also brings with it some problems. Let’s discuss them in detail;
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Lack of Information Related to Associated Factors
According to the dissertation writing service company, the selection of a data collection method is based on some factors. The first one is the aim of the research. In comparison, the second factor is the sample size’s requirement. Based on these two factors, you have to select a primary or secondary data collection method.
You can understand this with the help of an example. Let us take the example of conducting a survey. When you conduct a survey, there must be some reason for doing so. Also, there must be some targeted population. These two factors are decided before starting data collection. Now you have to see if your aim of the research is approachable through the survey or not. Identify whether you need primary data or not. Also, what kind of primary method is suitable? All these matters are equally important within research. Let’s continue the example of a survey.
Further, you have to see if the offline survey is more feasible, and better than the online survey. For example, in the past year, physical surveys remained impossible. So the researcher decided to go for an online survey. That is how you can see that feasibility matters a lot. When a researcher lacks information about these factors, he cannot conduct good research
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Primary Data Collection Methods
There are different ways to collect data through primary means. The very first one is to collect data by conducting the interview. Here you can conduct the person-to-person interview. Or it can also be in the form of a group. Although, a person-to-person interview helps you in getting in-depth information. But sometimes, this is not feasible. In such cases you have to conduct a group interview.
Another way to collect data is to conduct a survey, and use a questionnaire. Here the researcher asks a questionnaire. Its related to whose answer helps in addressing the problem statement. It helps you in getting rid of the biases. There are some chances of biasness in the aspect of conducting interviews. But a survey does not encounter this issue. The method of survey is cost-effective as well, although it takes more time.
Another way of primary data collection is that of observation. For this, you have to be an experienced person who can judge things well. In case of observations, the data type is mostly objective. Also, the collected data is free from any past, or future impacts. But here, you have to understand that the collected information will be limited. And this method is a little expensive too. Finally, you can collect data through experimentation. It is also free from biases. But human errors will be present. When the researcher does not know about all these details, he fails to meet requirements of the research.
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Conflicts in Standards
Data collection standards highlight the ways for ensuring accurate data. They explain the data in a well-mannered way. You can also understand what kind of questions can lead you towards better responses. Standards are present at both national, as well as state levels. But the drawback is that these standards are not in practice. You can say they are treated as an inconstant mean. Resultantly, the affect the overall comparability. So if you are a beginner in research, you have to face this flaw. The researcher has to face conflicts in the standards of government and other agencies as well.
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Factors of Data Collection
Different factors affect the data collection process. You may, or may not have accurate data because of such effects. For example, you may face any emergency in the form of a pandemic, or other crises. Here you have to compromise on data collection. This may also include questioning something personal from the audience. Suppose you are asking about domestic violence. And you ask the audience about their personal experiences. In such cases, there is no guarantee that you would get accurate data. The reason behind this is privacy concerns of the audience.
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Lack of Training
Sometimes researchers collect data without a proper training session. In such cases, there are lots of chances of having inaccurate data. For example, you have to collect data through interviews. And you know very well that for conducting an interview you must be trained. Without training and experience, you will be more confused as compared to the audience. If that is the case, how can you ensure in-depth information? It is very obvious to feel less confident while conducting the interview. Same goes for the case of observation. You must have good observational sense. And without training, you cannot grasp the basics of these aspects. Without observation, your collected data will be wrong, and you will face failure in the area of analysis. Inconsistency of data will also become evident if you lack training and the right skills.
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Quality Assurance Lack
Most of the time, you may lack opportunities. You may not be able to verify the quality of data. You might also face issues while recording the data. Both of these cases affect the quality of data. Now it depends on the company, and whether it has the required resources or not. If the company lacks resources, you cannot verify the accuracy of data. Without accurate data, how can you conduct research? This is a very serious problem that many researchers face in primary data collection.
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Core Information
In primary data collection, most of the time researchers lack core information. They may not have information related to the cultural background of the person. They may also lack in contact details of the person. In such cases, companies face the issue of how they can improve their services. It is an essential part of any primary research aspect. The researcher must be sure of all associative details to produce reliable results in the end.
