Consider the similarities and differences in the data collected from your interview and from the transcripts of the Scholars of Change videos.
Consider the other data collection methods you studied (focus groups, reviews of documents and social media; and your own memos and notes).
Review your Major Assignment 1, paying attention to the alignment between your research question and considerations for data collection.
Post a response to the following:
From the data you collected and other data collection methods you studied, compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of at least two data collection methods. Include an explanation of your experience using these different data collection methods. Also, include an explanation of what you found difficult or challenging and why.
Explain how you as the researcher can ensure that your choices for data collection align with your research questions. Use your experience from Major Assignment 1 as an example.
Full Answer Section
- experiences. Open-ended questions can elicit rich narratives and nuanced perspectives.
- Tailored Questions: I could adapt questions based on the interviewee's responses, leading to a more focused and personalized conversation.
- Non-verbal Cues: Observing body language and facial expressions provided additional insights into the interviewee's emotions and reactions.
Weaknesses:
- Time and Resource Intensive: Scheduling, conducting, and transcribing interviews is time-consuming.
- Social Desirability Bias: Participants might present themselves in a more favorable light, potentially influencing their responses.
- Sample Bias: Reaching a diverse range of participants can be challenging, potentially impacting the generalizability of findings.
My Experience:
Conducting interviews was rewarding. I gained valuable insights into the lived experiences of social change advocates. However, scheduling interviews with busy individuals was challenging. Additionally, while rapport helped, I noticed some participants presenting their experiences in a more idealistic light.
Scholar of Change Videos
Strengths:
- Accessibility: Readily available transcripts provided a wealth of data without needing to schedule interviews.
- Diversity of Perspectives: The program featured individuals from various backgrounds and social change areas.
- Real-World Examples: Provided concrete examples of challenges and motivations faced by changemakers.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Depth: Videos are pre-recorded and edited, potentially omitting important details or nuances.
- Lack of Control: The interviewer's questions and editing choices can influence the information presented.
- Generalizability Concerns: The sample, while diverse, might not represent the entire population of social change professionals.
My Experience:
Scholar of Change videos offered a convenient source of data with diverse perspectives. However, the lack of control over content and the edited format limited the depth of information.
Aligning Data Collection with Research Questions
Choosing the right data collection method depends on the research question. In Major Assignment 1, understanding individual experiences and motivations called for in-depth exploration. Interviews, despite their limitations, provided the depth and detail needed. Scholar of Change videos, while helpful for initial exploration, lacked the depth required for a comprehensive understanding.
Lessons Learned:
- Match the method to the question: Interviews are ideal for in-depth exploration, while focus groups can gauge group dynamics. Documents and social media offer existing data, while researcher notes capture observations.
- Consider limitations: Every method has limitations. Interviews can be biased, while documents might lack context.
- Triangulation: Combining methods (e.g., interviews with document review) strengthens the research by providing a more comprehensive picture.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different data collection methods and aligning them with the research question, researchers can ensure the data gathered is relevant, reliable, and supports their investigation.
Sample Answer
Comparing and Contrasting Data Collection Methods: Interview vs. Scholar of Change Videos
In Major Assignment 1, my research question focused on understanding the motivations and challenges faced by individuals who pursue social change careers. Data collection was crucial, and I explored two methods: interviews and video transcripts from the Scholars of Change program. Here's a comparison highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, along with my experience:
Interviews
Strengths: