Conceptualizing problem
Before you start the process of data collection, you need to identify exactly what
you want to achieve. You can start by writing a problem statement: what is the
practical or scientific issue that you want to address and why does it matter?
Next, formulate one or more research questions that precisely define what you
want to find out. Depending on your research questions, you might need to
collect quantitative or qualitative data:
Quantitative data is expressed in numbers and graphs and is analyzed through
statistical methods.
Qualitative data is expressed in words and analyzed through interpretations and
categorizations.
Laying down hypothesis
• A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research. If you
want to test a relationship between two or more variables, you need to write
hypotheses
Variables in Research
In Research, Variables refer to characteristics or attributes that can be
measured, manipulated, or controlled. They are the factors that
researchers observe or manipulate to understand the relationship between
them and the outcomes of interest.
Types of Variables in Research
Independent Variable - This is the variable that is manipulated by the
researcher. It is also known as the predictor variable, as it is used to
predict changes in the dependent variable. Examples of independent
variables include age, gender, dosage, and treatment type.
Dependent Variable - This is the variable that is measured or observed to
determine the effects of the independent variable. It is also known as the
outcome variable, as it is the variable that is affected by the independent
variable. Examples of dependent variables include blood pressure, test
scores, and reaction time
Control Variable - This is a variable that is held constant or controlled by
the researcher to ensure that it does not affect the relationship between the
independent variable and the dependent variable. Control variables are
important to ensure that any observed effects are due to the independent
variable and not to other factors.
Types of data collection tools
The success of market research depends on the accuracy of the data
collected. However, it doesn’t end here. It is important to analyze this
data such that the management executives can make sense out of it.
Interviews- interviews are a data collection method by which one person
asks a series of questions to another who is part of the target audience.
The one-to-one interview can be conducted in person or over the phone
call.
Observation-Observation is a data collection technique in which the
target audience is given the problem statement, and their responses are
noted with minimum interference from any moderator. While the
respondent is busy thinking about answering the questions, their body
language, mannerisms, facial expressions, voice tone, etc are noted.
These non-verbal signs are an important input for making decisions.
Surveys- Surveys are a list of questions designed in such a way that they
touch upon various features of products and services. Based on the data
collected, various analytical algorithms are run, and reports are generated.
Surveys are conducted through online data collection tools by which the
survey questions can be distributed through email, website, mobile app,
QR code, or social media platforms.
Usage Data- With the growing use of technology, data is collected at
various points from manufacture to delivery. This data can be used to
improve business outcomes. Historical records, application usage data,
sales reports, GPS location coordinates, etc, are some of the examples
from which useful data can be gathered. Such data collection methods can
be used when you want to optimize existing systems instead of creating
new ones.
Focus Goups-Focus groups are a group of people who come from
various fields of life. They are subjected to a group discussion in the
presence of a moderator. As people come from different backgrounds, it
leads to exploring various angles of thought. It is believed that diversity
in thoughts leads to innovation. Focus groups help stakeholders to
validate the facts on the spot and collect a diverse set of data.
The phases of data
The phases of data are the stages of the data life cycle, which describe how data
is generated, collected, processed, stored, managed, analysed, visualized,
interpreted, and archived or destroyed. The phases of data can vary in number
and name, but some common ones are:- Generation, Collection, Processing,
Storage, Management
Data analysis Data analysis is a process of collecting, cleaning, transforming,
and modelling data to discover useful information for decision- making. Data
analysis can employ statistical techniques and methods depending on the
industry and the aim of the analysis. Data analysis can help businesses improve
their systems and products, boost their operational efficiency, and deliver better
services to customers
Documentary Research -Documentary research is a type of research method that
involves the systematic investigation and analysis of existing documents or
records. These documents can be in the form of written, visual, or audio
materials, such as books, articles, photographs, videos, and audio recordings.
Empirical Research -Research is empirical if it seeks to find a general story or
explanation, that applies to various cases and across time. The empirical
approach functions to create new knowledge about the way the world actually
works.
