ASSIGNMENT

ON

DATA COLLECTION
COURSE TITLE: BUSINESS RESEARCH METHOD

SUBMITTED TO
Mohammed Harisur Rahman Howlader
Professor
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG

SUBMITTED BY

TILAK KARMAKAR
ID: 16302124
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG

Date of Submission: 16/07/2020

BBA, 8th Semester
Session : 2015-16
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG
Question 1. What are the sources of secondary data? How can you ensure the
quality of secondary data?
Answer: The sources of secondary data are: -

- Library

-Trade, Professionals and business,

-Internal corporate information

-Trade and industry associations

-Marketing research firms

-Government agencies

-Advertising media

-University research organizations

-Published books and scholar journals

Way to ensure quality of secondary data are discussed below:-

We can ensure quality of secondary data by asking some questions.

1. Who collected the data: The reliability and acceptance of data will more trustworthy if
researcher know the origin of the data. The “who” factor impacts the data’s reliability and
whether or not we ultimately opt to utilize or trust it. Data from professional
organizations, known brands, or government agencies will always have a trustworthiness
and not commonly associated with other credible source.
2. What is the data provider’s purpose or goal: You required to know the objectivity and
intent of the provider purpose. Because there is chance of potential biased and any
reasons of being pushed to provide the data. Especially when examining data from
commercial businesses and even political parties posting information online that might
favor them in some way or represent their own interests. The integrity of such research
might therefore be compromised. So, the main objectivity should be clear.
3. When was the data collected: The timing and right place of the data are extremely
important. It’s important to always check the date of your data for the most accurate and
relevant information available.
4. How the data was collected: A healthy skepticism of data and research is important.
Look for inconsistencies, and see if there are explanations into how the data collection
process explains or damages a source’s credibility.” When using data directly related to
consumer’s opinions and needs. If you know how the information was collected, then you
will be able to tell which methods were used. This can also inform you if the data is
related to the population you need information about.
 5. What type of data was collected: Specifically knowing what types secondary of data is
will be the most appropriate for your research goals is a must needed matter. Not all
forms of secondary data are applicable in every instance.
6. Whether the data is consistent with data from other sources: Before further use there
required to use those data. Compare and contrast the findings with other research and
look for inconsistencies. Sometimes inconsistencies are a matter of differing
methodologies, but other times there’s a more distressing, nefarious reason why things
aren’t matching up. External data is useless to your organization of it isn’t correct. Take
the time to check that your source is reliable so you can trust the data they are providing
you.

Question 02: Write short notes on participatory observation and structured

observation.
Answer:

Participatory Observation: The participant observation method, also known as ethnographic

research, is when a sociologist actually becomes a part of the group they are studying in order to
collect data and understand a social phenomenon or problem. During participant observation, the
researcher works to play two separate roles at the same time: subjective participant and objective
observer. Sometimes, though not always, the group is aware that the sociologist is studying them.

The goal of participant observation is to gain a deep understanding and familiarity with a certain
group of individuals, their values, beliefs, and way of life. Often the group in focus is a
subculture of a greater society, like a religious, occupational, or particular community group. To
conduct participant observation, the researcher often lives within the group, becomes a part of it,
and lives as a group member for an extended period of time, allowing them access to the intimate
details and goings-on of the group and their community.

This research method was pioneered by anthropologists Bronislaw Malinowski and Franz Boas
but was adopted as a primary research method by many sociologists affiliated with the Chicago
School of Sociology in the early twentieth century. Today, participant observation, or
ethnography, is a primary research method practiced by qualitative sociologists around the
world.

Structured Observation: A systematic method of collecting behavioral data within a controlled

environment, often used in research with infants and young children, in which observers measure
overt actions and interpersonal processes. In structured observation, researchers (a) select which
behaviors are of interest and which are not, (b) clearly define the characteristics of each behavior
so that observers all agree on the classification, and (c) note the occurrence and frequency of
these targeted behaviors in the situation under analysis.
Question 03: Discuss the different forms of interview for collecting data?
Answer: There are three different formats of interviews: structured, semi-structured and
unstructured.

Structured interviews consist of a series of pre-determined questions that all interviewees

answer in the same order. Data analysis usually tends to be more straightforward because
researcher can compare and contrast different answers given to the same questions. Structured
interview best used when relevant literature is highly developed with established understanding
of topic, following observational/less structured approaches, Structured questionnaires with
relevant and meaningful response categories, interviewers trained to ask questions (with fixed
choices) in standardized manner. This form of interview benefits: researchers efficiently without
any rapport establishment requirement and consistent data that can be compared across number
of respondents.

 Unstructured interviews are usually the least reliable from research viewpoint, because no
questions are prepared prior to the interview and data collection is conducted in an informal
manner. Unstructured interviews can be associated with a high level of bias and comparison of
answers given by different respondents tends to be difficult due to the differences in formulation
of questions.

Unstructured interviews are relatively unstructured and guided conversations. There will be no
specific predetermined questions. This may be conducted in conjunction with some collection of
observational data where participant’s observation from sidelines and/or joining in on the
activities being studied, key informants” identified, meaning of observed behaviors, interactions,
artefacts and rituals. Example: “This research study is about how people think about their own
health. Can you tell me about your own experiences? Questions emerge over time as investigator
learns about the setting.

 Semi-structured interviews contain the components of both, structured and unstructured

interviews. In semi-structured interviews, interviewer prepares a set of same questions to be
answered by all interviewees. At the same time, additional questions might be asked during
interviews to clarify and/or further expand certain issues.

Semi-Structured interviews often the sole data source for a qualitative research project.
Generally organized around with set of predetermined, open-ended questions and other questions
emerge from dialogue between interviewer and interviewee. •Example: “What do you think good
health is?”, “how do you consider your own health”.
Question no. 04: How information technology can be used for conducting the
interview?
Answer: In this modern age of technology, information technology becomes another source of
secondary data for the researchers in conducting the interview for collecting data. Data collection
can be so easier with the use of information technology. When researcher face trouble of getting
information from distance people it’s become hard for collecting data, But interview method of
collecting data can be done with the help of information technology.

Here are some of the ways information technologies can be used for conducting interview are:

Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) is a face-to-face data collection method in

which the interviewer uses a tablet, mobile phone or a computer to record answers given during
the interview.

Computer-Assisted Self/personal Interviewing (CASI) is a voluntarily perfuming of an

interview where no interviewer is present. There are two kinds of computer-assisted self-
interviewing a "video-CASI" and an "audio-CASI".

Computer-assisted interviewing methods such as CAPI, CATI, or CASI, have been the focus of
systematic reviews on the effects of computer-assisted interviewing on data quality. Those
reviews indicate that computer-assisted methods are accepted by both interviewers and
respondents, and these methods tend to improve data quality.

Computer Assisted Telephones Interviewing (CATI) is a telephone surveying technique in

which the interviewer follows a script provided by a software application. It is a structured
system of microdata collection by telephone that speeds up the collection and editing of
microdata and also permits the interviewer to educate the respondents on the importance of
timely and accurate data. The software is able to customize the flow of the questionnaire based
on the answers provided, as well as information already known about the participant. It is used in
B2B services and corporate sales.

Computer Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI) is an Internet surveying technique in which the
interviewee follows a script provided in a website. The questionnaires are made in a program for
creating web interviews. The program allows for the questionnaire to contain pictures, audio and
video clips, links to different web pages, etc. The website is able to customize the flow of the
questionnaire based on the answers provided, as well as information already known about the
participant. It is considered to be a cheaper way of surveying since one doesn't need to use
people to hold surveys unlike computer-assisted telephone interviewing.