Data Collection and Management Techniques for a Qualitative Research Plan - Coursework Example

The interview is without a doubt the most frequently used source of data in qualitative studies like my proposed research. This is particularly because it offers the one-to-one format of data collection and thus allows room for gathering more detailed information. Interviews range from the highly structured style, where questions are determined before the interview, to the one with the open-end, then the conversational format. In qualitative research, the highly structured format is applied primarily so as to collect socio-demographic information (Flick, 2006).

In most cases, however, interviews are more open-ended and less structured. Interviews involve the interviewer asking the same questions to all the participants, but the order of the questions, the diction and the type of follow-up may differ significantly. In this regard, I will be required to establish a rapport with the respondents so as to build up trust and allow the respondent to open up his true feelings, thoughts and intentions.Another important qualitative data collection technique that I will use is participant observation.

This method will require me as a researcher to be part of the study population and be learning from within the community to establish the important information that makes part of the research. This kind of data collection requires one to learn the modes and way of life of the study population so that it becomes effective. Data collected through such method can be written down in a field note in addition to taking video footages and used as the reference for evaluation and analysis (Creswell, 2003).

Generally, observation in qualitative research involves spending time in the setting. Field notes are written throughout the observation with the focus being on what is seen. Data collection can also be done through the use of focused group discussion where the researcher identifies a topic and the respondents discuss it. Such responses are analyzed carefully to give important information relating to the research.