1. Collecting Information

2. Knowing HOW to Collect Data is Nice
But – we need to know WHY
For Whom
What is the purpose?

3. Similarities to Scientific Inquiry
Stating a research question
Formulating a hypothesis
Testing the hypothesis
Whether the purpose is exploratory or confirmatory, your goals must be clear

4. Scoping the Problem How will you analyze the problem?
Qualitatively or Quantitatively?
Primary or Secondary Data?
What sort of analytical approach will you take?

5. Types of Studies
Exploratory
Descriptive
Experimental
Secondary

6. Exploratory Studies Helps in formulating further research
Allows one to become acquainted with a problem or issue
Literature reviews
Opinion surveys
Field methods

7. Descriptive Studies
Collecting and summarizing info so you can accurately and objectively describe a situation
Formulating objectives
Designing data collection methods
Selecting a sample
Collecting data
Analyzing data and communicating results

8. Experimental Studies Trying to make a causal inference
Empirically inferring correlation
Theoretically determining causation
Design O1 X O2 O1 O2

9. Secondary Studies
Free-standing Literature Reviews
Meta-Analysis

10. Collecting Data Primary Sources Secondary Sources
Surveys, Interviews, Field Work
Secondary Sources
Census, other government data

11. Field Methods Site Reconnaissance Windshield Surveys Field Interviews
Participant Observation

12. Site Reconnaissance A quick look-see
Getting a quick impression of the study area
Collecting sensory information

13. Windshield Survey Similar to site reconnaissance Wider scale
Systematically recording data
For larger geographic areas
Issues of safety may be involved

14. Field Interviews/Surveys
Structured or open-ended
Pros & Cons
Pro
Con
Survey
Quick
Easy to analyze
Limited, inflexible
Interview
Potentially rich information, flexible
Time consuming (administration, compilation); difficult to summarize

15. Participant Observation
Becoming a participant to record observations & collect data
Unobtrusive measures
Looking at license plates at park
Worn out tiles at an exhibit
Obtrusive measures
Becoming an active participant