If a researcher is more than half way through a research project, and now needs to collect data by recording the responses of participants to a read aloud test; How can such a researcher collect data from a population that was once together, on a university campus for instance, but is now dispersed to various locations by the Covid-19 lockdowns? Without having to redesign the whole research project, what ideas can you share for data collection and analysis? Will such data collected by any other method besides face-to-face interaction, be acceptable? In a situation where the researcher may have to finance the respondents participation, will such results still be seen as valid?
Dear Deborah Adejobi,
He can do the following: 1. Build a mailing base (collect e-mail addresses) or set up a group page on the social media portal. 2. Write a survey using the online form. 3. Using the mailing database or the group's website on the social media portal, send out invitations to complete the survey.
Best regards,
Dariusz Prokopowicz
Thank you for your suggestions. I particularly like the idea of using social media as virtually every ode is on one social media group or another. Thanks again.
Hi Deborah,
It seems you have to design a research methodology that specifies exactly which data collection methods you intend to use.
Remember to be realistic about the outcome, this can be estimated by reflecting on past research projects (dissertation etc.).
I recommend looking into academic sources, as there are numerous publications on the subject (Conducting a Research Project) that can inform your decision-making process.
I enjoy looking at descriptive models as they visualise the numerous points of action (POA) and suggest various routes depending on the design and hypothesis.
Do let me know if this gives you any thoughts.
All the best, and good luck getting in touch with the displaced students.
Anand Scialo
BA (Hons) IHM at BU
Thank you Anand. From your suggestion, the research methodology may need to be redesigned to show the new method of data collection. You have certainly got me thinking about alternative ways of data collection. Thank you so much.
Deborah, your case is not uncommon especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. I suppose there would be a need to include a section in the methodology whereby some explication of what method(s) you used to collect data prior to the outbreak of the virus and what method(s) you intend to use or are currently using during the pandemic. Some justification for the methodological shift would also be needed. Additionally, you may wish to explore online methods, some of which may include, the use of some social media outlet or data collection point which is deemed acceptable and appropriate in line with data validity, data reliability and participants' ethical considerations. Good luck.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Higher Education
- Universities