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Data Collection, Analysis Methods and Techniques A Closer Look at Data Collection and Analysis We touched on the topics of data collection and analysis in a prior week

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Data Collection, Analysis Methods and Techniques

A Closer Look at Data Collection and Analysis

We touched on the topics of data collection and analysis in a prior week. Here, we will give them the attention they require. Consider the concept of data collection and what it entails. Fortunately, gathering information about our clients involves the application of some of the same skills.

Researchers use a variety of methods to access the information they seek. Primary is the decision whether to employ qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. In an earlier discussion, we explored the differences between these methods and how to determine which methods to employ. Recall that qualitative methods elicit data in the form of words based on research participants' experiences with and perceptions of a particular phenomenon. Generally, qualitative methods are used to build theory and address a particular social problem. Qualitative studies may include data based on observation, through interviews, and a review of related artifacts and audiovisual materials (Creswell, 2009).

Quantitative methods, on the other hand, produce numerical results amendable to statistical analysis and are generally used to examine causal relationships between variables or test the impact of an intervention. Survey and experimental research designs include the use of quantitative methods of data collection (Creswell, 2009). There is always the option of using both qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed) of data to provide more depth and breadth to a study. Decisions about choice of method are driven by the researcher's questions and study goals.

Reference

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches (3rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

 

TO DO LIST:

• Assignment: Submit the Data Collection and Analysis assignment.
• What You Need to Know: Read about methods of data analysis.
• Prepare: The third required webinar occurs this week.

 

Assignment Overview

In this assignment, you will identify how you would conduct a study of the best practice model you proposed earlier in the quarter, identifying types of data, data collection methods, and data analysis.

 

What You Need to Know

Data Analysis

The following readings from the course texts are important preparation for completing the "Data Collection and Analysis" assignment, due in Week 8:

• In Research Methods for Social Workers, read Chapter 13, "Analyzing the Data," pages 295–?311.
• In The Practice of Research in Social Work, read:
  • Chapter 11, "Qualitative Data Analysis," pages 292–?321.
  • Chapter 12, "Secondary Data Analysis and Mixed Methods," pages 322–?342.

 

Webinar 3: Data Collection and Analysis

The considered collection and critical analysis of contextually relevant data is at the heart of any research study. Without valid data and analysis to support conclusions, a study is nothing but an opinion. In the course of this webinar, we will step through the complex (but learnable!) process of deciding how to collect data and, further, how to fruitfully analyze the results.

You may review the Webinar 3: Data Collection and Analysis [PPT] file for an overview of what will be discussed.

Check the Announcements in the courseroom for details about when this webinar will be held.

 

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Overview

Even the most focused research question may contain within it a series of more fundamental and related questions. Once these are determined, the researcher must then determine the kinds of information necessary to answer them. In this assignment, you will identify how you would conduct your study of the best practice model you proposed earlier in the quarter. From there identify a series of evaluation questions which you would propose as an evaluation design. You will also begin to identify the kinds of data you will need, from whom you will gather it, and which methods you will apply to your proposed study.

For your research questions, identify what type of data you will collect in order to address your research question. You will be answering these questions:

• Who will your participants be?
• Is the data quantitative or qualitative in nature—should it be in the form of numbers or words?
• What methods might you apply to glean the information that you seek?
• What instruments, measures, or tools would you use in your study?
• Also, identify how you would analyze the data that you collect. Will you be conducting statistical analyses of any kind? Or, will you be using coding and categorizing? Will you be using any computer software to assist with the analysis?
• Finally, consider the results of the study. Who should know about these results? How will you present them?

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and practice behaviors:

C4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice

• C4.GP.B  Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings.

Instructions

Include the following components in your paper:

1. Research Question
   • Restate your overarching research question.
   • Evaluate critical sub-questions related to a primary research question. In other words, what questions require answers in order to address the primary question? 
2. ?Participants
   • Propose a relevant pool of participants.
3. Data
   • Justify data sources (artifacts, literature, et cetera) relevant to a given research problem. Are you seeking information represented by numbers or words? Stated differently, are you interested in quantitative, qualitative data, or both? Describe these.
4. Data Collection
   • Analyze contextually appropriate data-collection tools.
5. Data Interpretation
   • Evaluate the approach to relevant data interpretation. Be sure to explain why you have selected this approach. Consider whether you will use any computer software or programs to assist with the data analysis.
6. Audience and Medium
   • Assess the appropriate audience and medium for final data analysis. Include how you propose to present them and what format would be most appropriate to communicate your results to your audience.

Additional Requirements

The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA Style and Format standards.
• Length of paper: 3–?4 double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.