Data Collection Tools, Methods, and Challenges Essay

Data Collection Tools, Methods, and Challenges - Essay Example Qualitative and quantitative research techniques are designed for different audiences: policymakers both in private and in government, funding agencies, academicians, various stakeholders and project clients. The following is a discussion of various tools of data collection in both qualitative and quantitative research and challenges faced in each. Qualitative research interview is one of the most commonly utilized data collection tool in qualitative research. Qualitative research interviews can be categorized as structured, semi-structured and in-depth. According to Holloway (2005), the aim of a qualitative research interview is to find out, in the perspective of the insider, their thoughts, feelings, perceptions and feelings. Interviews are flexible and very effective tools when there is need to reveal information on how a single individual views the world. The only challenge with use of interview as a tool of collecting qualitative research data is that it is time consuming thus t here is need for preparation, transcription and scheduling for interview. Focus group is the second tool and it refers to a group discussion often on a particular topic that has been organized for purposes of research and is monitored, guided and recorded by a facilitator, researcher or moderator. Unlike qualitative research interviews, focus groups are best used when researcher wants to generate information on the collective views of a group and what such views mean in real sense (Onwuegbuzie et al 2009). It is time effective but less flexible since the focus group may influence the result from shy individuals within the group. The dynamics of the individuals may also interfere with accurate and complete data (Onwuegbuzie et al, 2009). A standardized test is one of the commonly used tools in quantitative data collection and refers to tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner.