Data Collection

Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College

November 2008

Types of Data

Features of Quantitative & Qualitative DataQuantitative Data :

Numeral dataOnly cool number without analysisQuite objective and generalized

Qualitative Data:Descriptive sentencesUnderstanding more easily in generalRather subjective but in details

Examples of Data

Quantitative (Numeral) Data :Experimental dataStatistical data collected from field observationScores from questionnaire survey

Qualitative (Descriptive) Data:Field studyCase studyInterview dialogue

Experimental Data

• Examples – Quality of tissue paper– Testing its absorption ability / toughness and

thickness

• Importance of “Fair Test”– Procedure of testing absorption ability

• Data Analysis– Absorption ability VS Price– Absorption ability & Materials

Scores from Questionnaire Survey• Example – Habit of using tissue paper• Elements of good questionnaire

– Dividing the questionnaire into several appropriate parts with clear objectives

– Using appropriate type of questions– Good Questioning skills– Suitable length of questionnaire

• Determining appropriate “sample size”– Generalized but also manageable

Statistical data collected fromField Observation

• Example - Find out the sales amount of different types / brands of tissue paper in different districts in Hong Kong – Stay in supermarkets to count the sales amount of

different brands of tissue paper– How many and which supermarkets should you

choose?– How long should you stay?

• Determining appropriate “sample size”– Again, generalized but manageable

Field study• Example: investigating about the operation of

public transportation enterprise• Visiting the places with plenty of information

– Informative and also Accessible

• Well-prepared before visiting the field– List out the information you intend to collect– Reviewing the route and time schedule

• Effectively & efficiently collect valuable, detailed & in-depth info. in the site

Case Study & Interview• Example: Interviewing experienced bus drivers

and MTR staffs to know more about the evolvement in the past decades

• The cases should be representative and referable

• Objective in handling descriptive opinion / information obtained from interviewee

• Descriptive opinion / information collection should be verified with other sources of data

The End

Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College

November 2008