Course Description

Course Overview

Data collection methods in educational research play a crucial role in gathering information that is subsequently analyzed and interpreted. The process of data collection is a significant step in conducting research and has the potential to greatly influence the outcomes. The course covers various data collection methods, including surveys, experiments, observations, and web scraping. Students will learn how to design data collection strategies, develop data collection tools, and ensure data quality. The course emphasizes ethical considerations and best practices in data collection.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of research methods and study design (preferred but not mandatory)
• Familiarity with basic statistical concepts
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn about data collection techniques

Methodology

The course adopts a combination of theoretical lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on labs to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The lectures cover the fundamental concepts, methods, and techniques of data collection. The practical exercises and labs allow students to apply the learned techniques in designing and conducting data collection activities. The course encourages critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical considerations in data collection.

Course Outline

Introduction to Data Collection

Overview of data collection and its importance

Data collection methods and their applications

Ethical considerations in data collection

Research Design and Planning

Defining research questions and objectives

Selecting appropriate data collection methods

Sample size determination and sampling techniques

Surveys and Questionnaires

Designing survey questions

Survey administration methods (e.g., online, phone, in-person)

Techniques for minimizing biases in surveys

Experiments and Controlled Studies

Designing experimental studies

Randomization and control groups

Validity and reliability in experimental designs

Observational Data Collection

Participant observation and non-participant observation

Structured and unstructured observations

Recording and documenting observational data

Web Scraping and Data Extraction

Introduction to web scraping

Techniques for extracting data from websites

Ethical considerations and legal implications

Data Collection Tools and Technologies

Developing data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, forms)

Online survey platforms and data collection software

Mobile data collection and sensor-based technologies

Data Quality Assurance

Assessing and ensuring data quality

Cleaning and preprocessing collected data

Data validation and error handling techniques

Outcome

Upon completing the course, students will:

• Understand the fundamental principles, methods, and techniques of data collection.
• Be proficient in designing data collection strategies and selecting appropriate methods for different research questions.
• Gain hands-on experience with data collection tools and technologies.
• Develop skills in ensuring data quality and minimizing biases in data collection.
• Understand the ethical considerations and legal implications in data collection.
• Apply data collection techniques effectively to gather high-quality data for analysis.

Labs

The course includes hands-on labs and projects to reinforce the theoretical concepts and provide practical experience. The labs may include:

• Designing and administering a survey to collect data on a specific topic of interest.
• Conducting observational studies to gather data in a controlled setting or real-world environment.
• Using web scraping techniques to extract data from a website or online source.
• Developing data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, forms) using online survey platforms or programming languages.
• Assessing and cleaning collected data to ensure data quality and integrity.
• Analyzing and interpreting collected data to draw meaningful insights.