Data Collection and Data Entry

Abstract

This chapter describes the strengths and limitations of different data collection methods based on the research context. It presents a plan to recruit research participants and a retention plan to limit attrition in longitudinal studies. The chapter provides a data collection protocol that includes a training outline for data collection staff and a measurement instrument. It explores a database in SPSS and Excel, enter and save the data. Telephone surveys used to be the most efficient data collection method in terms of producing data quickly, although that has changed with the advent of Internet surveys. In some instances, the choice of a data collection method may be self-evident. Long intervals between participant recruitment and data collection will lead to problems with retention. The advantage of entering codes for missing data is that the researcher will know whether the otherwise blank space is a data entry error as opposed to a true missing value.