Data Collection: Online, Telephone and Face-to-face

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/data-collection-methods

Introduction

### Course Review: Data Collection: Online, Telephone and Face-to-Face In today's data-driven world, understanding how the methods we employ to collect data affect the quality and reliability of the information we gather is paramount. One of the courses that shines a light on this intricate relationship is **"Data Collection: Online, Telephone and Face-to-Face"** offered on Coursera. This course delves into the impacts of different survey methods on data quality and survey error, making it ideal for anyone interested in enhancing their research skills or deepening their understanding of survey methodologies. #### Course Overview The course is not a practical guide on how to carry out data collection but rather a thoughtful examination of existing literature surrounding survey design decisions and the ensuing data quality. By outlining the trade-offs associated with various data collection methods, this course sensitizes learners to the nuances of survey design that go beyond mere implementation. ### Syllabus Breakdown **Module 1: Introduction, Classic Modes of Survey Data Collection** The course kicks off with an essential introduction to the fundamental concepts of survey data collection methods. In this module, learners familiarize themselves with the major sources of survey error and how different modes of administration can influence these errors. By the end of this lesson, participants gain an appreciation for the complexities of survey design. **Module 2: Self-Administration, Online Data Collection** Transitioning to self-administered modes of data collection, this module covers the pros and cons of allowing respondents to answer questions independently. Learners are introduced to the Total Survey Error (TSE) framework, which becomes a critical lens through which the advantages and disadvantages of online data collection are evaluated. This module is particularly crucial for those looking to understand the trade-offs involved in gathering data through online surveys. **Module 3: Interviewers and Interviewing** In the third module, the focus shifts to the role of interviewers in data collection. This segment analyzes the multifaceted roles that interviewers play, exploring various interviewing techniques and their potential impacts on response accuracy. By the end, learners can effectively compare the costs and benefits of data collection through interviews versus self-administration. This comparative analysis is essential for researchers who need to decide on the most appropriate method based on their research goals. **Module 4: Emerging Modes, New Data Sources** The final module explores innovative data collection modes, including mobile web surveys and SMS text interviews, alongside alternative data sources like sensor data and social media. This lesson encourages learners to consider the evolving landscape of data collection and the methodological challenges that come with new technologies. Understanding these emerging methods allows researchers to remain at the forefront of data collection best practices. ### Key Highlights - **Comprehensive Literature Review**: The course is rich in literature review, helping learners become informed and critically engaged with past research. - **Expert Insights**: As the course is underpinned by extensive scholarly work, it provides insights directly from the field of survey methodology and research. - **Flexible Learning**: Being an online course, it offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making it suitable for professionals and students alike. ### Recommendation I highly recommend **"Data Collection: Online, Telephone and Face-to-Face"** for anyone involved in research, marketing, social sciences, or any discipline relying on data to make informed decisions. It caters to beginners as well as seasoned researchers by providing a nuanced understanding of survey designs and their implications. Taking this course would not only equip you with the knowledge to critically assess various data collection methods but also enhance your ability to design effective surveys that yield reliable results. Enroll today on Coursera and elevate your research skills in data collection!

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction, Classic Modes of Survey Data Collection

In this lesson, you will be introduced to some key concepts about survey data collection methods that we will rely on throughout the course. By the end of this lesson, you should be well acquainted with the major sources of survey error and how these are affected -- usually in the form of tradeoffs -- by the particular mode used to administer questions and capture responses.

This second lesson focuses on modes in which survey respondents self-administer questions and provide their responses directly to researchers. By the end of Lesson 2, you will understand the pros and cons of self-administered modes from the TSE perspective.

In this lesson, we explore the various roles interviewers take on beside asking questions and collecting answers, as well as some of the different approaches to interviewing that have been proposed and how they affect the accuracy of responses. By the end of Lesson 3, you will appreciate the benefits and costs of collecting data in interviews and will be able to contrast them with the costs and benefits of self-administration.

In this lesson, we focus on some new data collection modes such as mobile web surveys and SMS text interviews, as well as alternative data sources such as sensor data, administrative data, and social media. By the end of this lesson, you will have a sense of the issues to which survey methodologists and survey researchers are devoting much of their attention these days. You will be able to weigh the pros and cons of these new methods and data sources.