What is the appropriate data collection method? In every research, both qualitative and quantitative, the first thing that must be done correctly is the process of collecting data. This process must be carried out carefully, thoroughly, and using the right method so that the results are valid and can be accounted for.
If the data collection method used in a data collection process is not appropriate, the resulting data may not be credible.
The results of data collection that are not credible should not be used as research material because they can mislead public opinion, especially if the research data is used as material for further research, or for decision making by certain institutions including the government.
Data collection aims to obtain data as research material. Data can be interpreted as recorded or illustrated facts that are used to draw conclusions or decisions.
The word data itself comes from the word "datum" which means "something given" in Latin. In quantitative research, the data are usually in the form of numbers or tables containing facts. While in qualitative research the data can be in the form of numbers, notes, pictures, photos, sound recordings, videos, and so on.
In a study, a research team previously proposed a hypothesis which is a temporary conclusion that will be tested or proven through data processing.
Thus valid data is used for hypothesis testing by providing empirical answers. For this reason, an appropriate method is needed in the process of collecting research data.
How can we choose and determine the right data collection method? For this reason, we must first determine what type of research we will do, whether quantitative or qualitative research.
Next, determine what information we need, where we can get the information, who can be used as informants, and how we will process the data in the research.
Based on these things, then we determine the appropriate method to obtain the data. For example, if we need data on the level of customer satisfaction with the service of a store, the method that can be chosen is a questionnaire distributed to consumers in a certain period.
On the other hand, to obtain this data, we cannot use interview techniques with store managers.
Data Collection Methods through Tests
One method that is often used in data collection is a test. This method is usually used to measure intelligence, achievement, interests, and talents, as well as a person's psychology.
The aspects studied through this test are measured quantitatively so that the results are in the form of value figures. The data generated through the test is considered accurate and objective if it is carried out correctly and periodically.
This method has weaknesses, including it takes a long time, because the test should be done at the beginning, middle and end of a process. The test also produces data that does not describe the overall condition of the participants because it only contains the condition of the participants at the time of the test.
We often find several types of tests in everyday life. Among them is an intelligence test (intelligence test), which is a test aimed at measuring a person's ability to think.
This test is also carried out to determine academic achievement or learning achievement tests which are often called achievement tests which are tested on certain subject areas.
The type of test that we often encounter is the interest and aptitude test (aptitude and measure test). Interest tests are intended to determine a person's interest in doing certain fields of activity.
Usually this test is used as a basis for selecting a particular education major, field of work or organization according to their interests.
Meanwhile, the aptitude test is almost the same as the intelligence test, but focuses more on the results of learning or practicing in certain fields, so that a person's ability to perform or utilize the knowledge he has obtained is known.
Other types of tests are related to a person's personality, namely personality tests and vocational tests. Personality tests are intended to determine a person's personality related to his character, such as emotions, ability to blend in with the social environment, and adaptability.
While the vocational test is intended to determine the level of development of a person associated with a particular field of work, position or position that is adapted to his personality.
Non-Test Data Collection Method
In addition to measuring an object of research through tests, we can also do it with non-tested (non-test) methods. This method is widely used because it is considered to be able to present more comprehensive and comprehensive data.
a. Questionnaire/Questionnaire
A questionnaire/questionnaire is a data collection instrument that contains a series of questions posed to respondents to obtain information indirectly. (researcher does not directly ask and answer with the respondent).
Questionnaires can be in the form of sheets of paper or digital data. Respondents usually fill out questionnaires according to their respective perceptions or ideologies so that the questionnaire does not contain questions whose answers are right or wrong.
However, the questionnaire should be prepared in simple language to make it easier for respondents to provide answers. Broadly speaking, questionnaires can be divided into two types, namely open questionnaires and closed questionnaires.
An open questionnaire contains questions that can be answered freely by respondents. While the closed questionnaire is in the form of questions accompanied by alternative answer choices that can be chosen by the respondent.
It is said to be closed because the respondent cannot provide an answer outside of the existing choices. However, in practice, an open questionnaire can be combined with a closed questionnaire by using both interchangeably.
Or it can be combined into a semi-open questionnaire, which is a questionnaire whose questions are accompanied by a choice of answers but are still provided with fields for respondents to provide their own views.
b. Observation
Observance or observation is a method of collecting data by means of researchers going directly to the field, either as participants/participants or just as observers to observe the existing reality.
For this reason, it is necessary for a researcher to be careful to obtain the main data and additional data related to the research.
The observation method has advantages including being able to collect as much data as possible from various things that have been observed.
However, this method also has weaknesses including, the results of data collection are very dependent on the foresight of the researcher, and cannot obtain data that does not look like feelings or perceptions in a person.
An observer can make observations by being directly involved in the group or part of the event / activity of the object being observed. This method of observation is called participatory observation.
Meanwhile, if the observer is only present as an observer in a group or activity of the object being observed, it is called non-participatory observation.
It should be considered in making observations, including licensing issues from the object to be observed and from related parties. For example, we are going to observe a slum area, so it would be better if we ask the local Chief for permission and express our intentions to the community.
In addition, before making observations, instruments should be made that direct our observations to be the focus so that the data obtained are relevant according to research needs.
In order for the observation to take place optimally, prepare recording devices such as voice recorders, cameras and video cameras and notes so that the data taken is more accountable and difficult to refute the truth.
c. Interview
Interview is a method of collecting data through face-to-face questions and answers to obtain the desired information. In the interview the interviewer/researcher asks questions orally and is answered orally by the respondent.
This method can dig up data and information in depth because it can ask various things to respondents to support data.
Interviews can be conducted in two ways, namely structured interviews and unstructured interviews. In a structured interview, the interviewer prepares questions in sufficient detail, so the interviewee only needs to answer the questions that have been prepared in advance.
Whereas in an unstructured interview, the interviewer only prepares the outline of the question. Then the interviewer develops his own questions.
d. Document Study
Previously we have known various methods of collecting data, all of which deal with living people or objects, while the document study method is a method of collecting data from inanimate objects.
This method analyzes various documents, both printed in the form of writing and images as well as digital sources. The data can be generated from notes, books, transcriptions, inscriptions, newspapers, magazines, and data from the internet.
This method has advantages such as the data is easier to obtain and the data source does not change. However, this method also has weaknesses, including that various data sources may produce different perceptions and some of them are not necessarily credible.
e. Autobiography
An autobiography is a record of a person's life that he made himself, either covering the entire period of his life or some part of his life journey that is considered interesting and important.
Autobiography can be used as research material. An autobiography can also be in the form of an existing autobiographical book or the researcher asks participants/respondents to write or tell their life story at the time of the research.
This method has advantages because it can produce specific data, not only containing facts about a person's life story, but also thoughts and views of his life.
But on the other hand, this data also has weaknesses because autobiographies are very subjective and it is very likely that their contents are exaggerated.
f. Sociometry
Sociometric method is used to determine the pattern and structure of a person's relationship with his social environment. Usually this method is used in a social environment that is not too large, for example in a classroom environment, an office environment, and so on.
As we know the social environment has a complex pattern of relationships. Well, this sociometry is intended to determine individual tendencies in making choices to interact.
For example, with whom A plays or works with, any friends who influence A in thinking and working, and so on.
Such is the technique or method of data collection that is worth trying. Hope it is useful.