Reflection on my
data collection experience
All of 1-year program Master students in regard of
writing theses had to go to the field works and collect data for the research. This
is one of the most challenging, essential and deciding aspect in conducting
research. It is challenging because we are new and beginner researchers who
taste something unexplored and unknown for many of us (not for all, may be). That
is why, we can face challenges in our way to interview participants, conduct
surveys, or even combining both of them owing to the fact that exploring
something new is always consists of surprises… It is essential constituent part
of our theses because it is our own and only ours’ findings. Before doing data
collection we have written Literature Review part, which is about everything
related to the topic done by previous researchers. And now it is time for us.
It is important as we will develop and interpret results, in other words, we
should and will achieve our research purposes set at the beginning. That is why
it is deciding aspect as well. First, I will consider what data collection
process is and then reflect on my experience of gathering information.
Whether doing quantitative, qualitative or
mixed methods research, it is not easy. According to Creswell (2014), there are
6 steps in the process of research (p. 21). One of them, of course, as you have
already done is gathering data. Collecting data consists of “identifying and
selecting individuals for a study, obtaining their permission to study them,
and gathering information by asking people or observing their behaviors” (p.
21). All these steps were very exciting for me.
References:
Creswell, J. (2014). Educational
research: Planning, conducting,
and evaluating quantitative
and qualitative research:
International
edition (4th ed.),
Electronic Package. Boston
13: 9780133041262.
I can tell you about my two recent experience of collecting quantitative data on Pr. Goodman class and Pr. Kuzhabekova article. The process of collecting the data, I must say, is challenging, but to some extent. It makes you show your personal sociability, you need to establish good rapport with people, otherwise nobody is gonna help you with filling your survey. That is the first thing I can point out. Even though I was affable as much as I could, some people were reluctant to answer the questions. In schools, where we conducted a survey, many parents whom we asked to sign the consent form also preferred to stay away from our research. This notwithstanding, I do not see any other challenges of data collection. The possible reason I think could be that quantitative study requires less efforts from people rather than in qualitative study. In other words, in the former people fill the survey, which is usually takes not so much time-span, while the latter is a time-consuming process. Along with time, interviewees can afraid of saying the truth or answering on some sensitive issues. That is why I think you found the qualitative data collection process challenging and soooo interesting . For me, the most challenging process is data analysis in both methods.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that you are right that interviews require soft skills such as communication skills, time-management, and an ability to engage people. Additionally, the researcher is the qualitative studies should be flexible enough to make changes in during the data collection. For instance, if we take the semi-structured interviews, we can find out that new themes and patterns emerge after the first interview. When it comes to our thesis research, the majority of us tend to focus on adults (teachers, parents, and administration) attitudes and beliefs. I like that you are interviewing the students, you are doing your best to enable the students' voices to be heard. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDear Zere! I found some similarities among our studies and participants as well. my participants also received international experience and were willing to share their opinions. However, not all participants agreed to accept the offer to be interviewee. The most challenging thing for me was to find participants. may be that ;s why, I hasn't finished my data collection. Actually, I liked your reflection. it was easy to follow.
ReplyDeletePerfect post, Zere. Your images support your text, and you do a nice job reflecting on an experience that your classmates can relate to. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThank to all of you, for your interesting (Diyara) and informative (Mariya) comments! Dr. Montgomery, thank you too, I am glad!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I faced some challenges in the beginning of my data collection, it was successful. I am grateful to all interviewees for their support, excitement and interesting answers that will help me to write my thesis work. When I asked them to participate in my research, they agreed immediately without hesitation and were open to answer all questions in details. One of them even said: “I do hope my answers will contribute to the development of your research” (Personal communication). The other one added to his answers: “If you need my help, please, contact me.” In comparison with some of my group mates’ data collection experience, which caused many difficulties, mine was enjoyment.
ReplyDelete