Contains Research methodology might be useful to medical and paramedical UG and PG students pursuing Research

1. Method of data
collection
D.A. Asir John Samuel, MPT (Neuro Paed),
Lecturer, Alva’s college of Physiotherapy,
Moodbidri
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

2. Types of data
• Primary data
• Secondary data
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

3. Primary Data collection methods
• Observation method
• Interview method
• Questionnaires
• Warranty cards
• Distributor or store audits
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

4. Primary Data collection methods
• Consumer panels
• Use of mechanical devices
• Projective techniques
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

5. Secondary data
• Reliability of data
• Suitability of data
• Adequacy of data
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

6. Selection of appropriate method
• Nature, scope and object of enquiry
• Availability of funds
• Time factor
• Precision required
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

7. Questionnaires
• Consists of no. of questions printed or typed
in definite order on a form or set of forms
• Respondents have to answer the questions on
their own
• Data is collected through mailing or
distributing the questionnaires
• Used in survey
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

8. 3 main aspects
• General form
• Question sequence
• Question formulation and wording
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

9. General form
• Structured/unstructured
• Closed (Y/N) or open (inviting free response)
• In pilot study unstructured then standardized
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

10. Question sequence
• Clear and smoothly-moving
• Easiest question being put in beginning
• Avoid question that put too great strain on
memory, personal character, wealth, etc
• General to more specific
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

11. Question formulation and wording
• Short and Easily understood
• Simple and convey only one thought at a time
• Concrete
• Can be dichotomous, multiple choice or open-
ended
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

12. Questionnaires - Merits
• Low cost even when sample size is large
• Free from bias of interviewer
• Respondent who are not easily approachable
can be reached conveniently
• More reliable
• Respondents have adequate time to answer
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

13. Questionnaires - Demerits
• Low rate of return of duly filled in
questionnaires
• Can be used only when respondents are
educated and cooperating
• There is inbuilt inflexibility
• Slowest of all
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

14. Questionnaires - Demerits
• Interpretation of omissions is difficult
• Control over the questionnaire may be lost
once it is sent
• Difficult to know whether willing respondents
are true representative
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

15. Schedules
• Performa containing a set of questions are
being filled in by the enumerators
• Explain aims and objectives, removes
difficulties
• Should have capacity to cross-examine in
order to find out truth
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

16. Differences
Questionnaires Schedules
• Filled by respondents • Filled by enumerators
• Cheap • More expensive
• Non-response is high • Low non-response
• Not always clear • Clear
• Very slow • Comparatively faster
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

17. Differences
Questionnaires Schedules
• Personal contact not • Personal contact
possible possible
• Only literate and
• Even illiterate
cooperative
• Small sample coverage
• Wider sample coverage
• Information collected is
• Collecting incomplete
complete and accurate
and wrong information
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP