Information Collection Tools
Collecting information is a fundamental aspect of any study conducted by individuals. It is a challenging task that encompasses both art and science; the scientific element arises from the need for proper tools and methodologies, while the artistic side requires a certain mental agility to achieve optimal results. Although there are no fixed standardized procedures for gathering information, a crucial guideline to follow is to ensure that data is collected accurately and systematically. It is essential to work conditions suitable for the task while maintaining objectivity when collecting information from individuals related to the study. In this article, we will explore the various tools employed in the information collection process.
Interviews
An interview involves a face-to-face interaction with individuals relevant to the study, aimed at verifying certain information or obtaining new data from these participants. This flexible tool often proves superior to questionnaires concerning the assessment of the accuracy of gathered information. Conducting interviews requires skill in organizing the meeting, preparing the environment, and drafting the report. Questions must be clearly articulated and easily understood to evaluate responses carefully and avoid any misunderstandings with the interviewee.
However, a notable drawback of this method is the time-intensive nature of preparing and conducting interviews, which typically involves engaging with one individual at a time. As a result, deriving conclusions can be a lengthy process. Additionally, the effectiveness of interviews can be hampered by the interviewer’s skill in question formulation and their timing in interjecting responses without disrupting the interviewee’s train of thought.
Questionnaires
Questionnaires stand out due to their ability to be distributed to a large number of individuals simultaneously. They generally exhibit fewer errors because they are reviewed by a panel of specialists in the relevant field. Unlike interviews, questionnaire results are collected concurrently and can take several forms:
- Closed questionnaires, where answers are confined to options such as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
- Open-ended questionnaires, which allow respondents to express their opinions freely regarding a particular issue.
- Closed-open questionnaires, which incorporate both types of questions mentioned above.
Observation
Observation is defined as the sensory effort—utilizing senses such as hearing and sight—and organized mental effort exerted by the researcher to interpret and analyze a specific behavior or phenomenon to understand the underlying causes and arrive at conclusions that will enable control over that behavior or phenomenon.
This method is particularly advantageous in field research, where theoretical or desk-based studies may not suffice. It is also valuable for collecting data that cannot be acquired through questionnaires or interviews, thus filling a critical gap in the information-gathering process.