Benefits and drawbacks of collecting various types of data

 

 

 

 


• Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of collecting various types of data
Scenario
You have recently applied for another position in the company you work for and have been called in for a second interview! For this round, you’ve been asked by the interview committee to present an analysis of the collected data from the research you initially reviewed, with a specific focus on data-collection types. This will be presented in a formal interview presentation.
Directions
Second Interview Presentation
You are analyzing studies related to a research topic in your field by discussing different types of data collection, their benefits and drawbacks, and how your chosen research studies utilize different collection methods. In your first project, completed in Module Four, you completed your initial analysis of the methodologies used. In your second milestone, also submitted in Module Four, you finalized your research choices by submitting two of each type of research methodology and flexing your “skilled consumer of research” skills by looking at your gathered research as a whole in order to identify patterns in data-collection types and some high-level credibility threats to the research. For this project, complete the following:
1. Describe the attributes of a skilled consumer of research. Include the following:
i. The most helpful perspectives a consumer can utilize
ii. A description of how you know when you have enough information
iii. A description of how you scrutinize the credibility of data
2. Identify multiple potential threats to the credibility of your research results for each of your selected research studies. Include the following:
o A description of potential biases or perspectives that might threaten the credibility of the results
o An explanation of ethical issues that might threaten the credibility of the results—consider the following:
i. Disclosure
ii. Blind or double-blind studies
iii. Cultural awareness
iv. Humane treatment of subjects
v. Unethical structuring of studies (methods, selection, etc.)
3. Analyze the relationship of data-collection types to social science research methodologies. Use your analysis from Milestone Two in Module Four. Include the following:
o The most commonly used quantitative data-collection types in social sciences based on your analysis of your research articles. Consider why this choice of data collection method might be so common.
o The least commonly used quantitative data-collection types in social sciences based on analysis of your research articles. Consider why this choice of data collection method might be less common.
o The most commonly used qualitative data-collection types in social sciences based on analysis of your research articles. Consider: why might this choice of data collection method be so common?
o The least commonly used qualitative data-collection types in social sciences based on analysis of your research articles from Consider: why might this choice of data collection method be less common?
4. Explain the relevance of various data-collection types to research question(s). Include the following:
o A classification of the data in each study—is it quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methodology? Be sure to include an example of each methodology.
o An explanation of why this data-collection type fits well with the research question from your chosen studies from Milestone Two in Module Four

 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Interview Presentation: Analysis of Data Collection and Research Credibility

 

 

1. Attributes of a Skilled Consumer of Research

 

A skilled consumer of research is not merely a reader, but a critical evaluator who understands the principles of methodology and statistics, actively questioning the research process and conclusions.

 

i. The Most Helpful Perspectives a Consumer Can Utilize

 

Skepticism: Maintain a healthy dose of doubt. Do not accept claims at face value; instead, always ask, "How do they know that?" and "Is there an alternative explanation?"

Methodological Focus (Internal Validity): Prioritize evaluating the study's design before its results. A well-designed study, even with null results, is more valuable than a poorly designed study with striking findings.

Contextual Awareness (External Validity): Assess the degree to which the findings are applicable to the real world, other populations, or other settings.

 

ii. How to Know When You Have Enough Information

 

Reaching Saturation: For qualitative research, information is sufficient when the point of saturation is reached—meaning new data ceases to generate new insights or themes.

Addressing the Research Question: For all research, sufficiency is determined when the collected data comprehensively and directly addresses the core research question, including all relevant sub-variables and counter-arguments.

Cross-Validation/Triangulation: You have enough when multiple, independent sources or methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, and observations) yield consistent and supporting findings, increasing confidence in the conclusion.

 

iii. How to Scrutinize the Credibility of Data

 

Source Credibility: Verify the academic rigor of the publication (e.g., peer-reviewed journals vs. popular media).

Methodological Transparency: Ensure the researchers clearly and completely disclose their sampling methods, data collection tools, and analysis techniques.

Peer Review History: Look for evidence of critical review and replication. If a study is highly influential but has never been replicated, its credibility may be lower.

Data Integrity: Scrutinize the statistical techniques used. Are the chosen tests appropriate for the data type? Are effect sizes reported? Are high error rates or missing data adequately addressed?