Data collection methods Sources of data Primary data refer to information obtained first-hand by the researcher on the variables of interest for the specific purpose of the study. Examples are individuals, focus groups, panels, and the internet from time to time. to information gathered from sources that already exist. Secondary data Examples are company records, archives, government publications, industry analyses, websites, the internet, etc. Primary sources of data Individuals provide information when interviewed, administered questionnaires, or observed. consist typically of 8 10 members with a moderator leading the groups – discussions for about 2 hours. Meet for a one-time group session Members are generally chosen on the basis of their expertise in the topic of focus. Unstructured and spontaneous responses are expected to reflect genuine opinions, ideas, and feelings of the members. Relatively inexpensive and can provide fairly dependable data within a trial time frame. The moderator introduces the topic, observes, and takes note whilst never becoming an integral part of the discussion. Also ensures that all members participate in the discussion and no member dominates the group. Data obtained through these homogeneous group members provides only qualitative information. Members are not selected scientifically, thus opinions cannot be considered to be truly representative. Focus groups are used for: Exploratory studies Making generalizations based on the information generated by them Conducting sample surveys Online focus groups are also common thanks to videoconferencing. Panels Meet more than once, unlike focus groups. Individuals are randomly chosen. Panel studies are panels composed of expert members in a given field of study. Static panels: the same members serve on the panel over extended periods of time. Advantages: Offers a good and sensitive measurement of the changes that take place between two points in time.
Data collection methods Sources of data Primary data refer to information obtained first-hand by the researcher on the variables of interest for the specific purpose of the study. Examples are individuals, focus groups, panels, and the internet from time to time. Secondary data to information gathered from sources that already exist. Examples are company records, archives, government publications, industry analyses, websites, the internet, etc. Primary sources of data Individuals provide information when interviewed, administered questionnaires, or observed. groups consist typically of 8 – 10 members with a moderator leading the discussions for about 2 hours. Meet for a one-time group session Members are generally chosen on the basis of their expertise in the topic of focus. Unstructured and spontaneous responses are expected to reflect genuine opinions, ideas, and feelings of the members. Relatively inexpensive and can provide fairly dependable data within a time frame. The moderator introduces the topic, observes, and takes note whilst never becoming an integral part of the discussion. Also ensures that all members participate in the discussion and no member dominates the group. Data obtained through these homogeneous group members provides only qualitative information. Members are not selected scientifically, thus opinions cannot be considered to be truly representative. Focus groups are used for: Exploratory studies Making generalizations based on the information generated by them Conducting sample surveys Online focus groups are also common thanks to videoconferencing. Panels Meet more than once, unlike focus groups. Individuals are randomly chosen. Panel studies are panels composed of expert members in a given field of study. Static panels: the same members serve on the panel over extended periods of time. Advantages: Offers a good and sensitive measurement of the changes that take place between two points in time. trial