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

Approx. 21 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn about various data collection methods and how to choose the best one for your research project with this course. From surveys to interviews, this course covers it all.

Key Learning Points

Understand the importance of data collection methods in research
Learn about different types of data collection methods, such as surveys and interviews
Gain practical skills in selecting the best data collection methods for your research project

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

Data Analyst
- USA: $62,453
- India: ₹4,22,000
- Spain: €24,000
Market Research Analyst
- USA: $54,070
- India: ₹3,64,000
- Spain: €21,000
Research Scientist
- USA: $83,205
- India: ₹6,05,000
- Spain: €33,000

Learning Outcomes

Ability to select appropriate data collection methods for research projects
Understanding of different types of data collection methods
Practical skills in designing surveys and conducting interviews

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of research methods
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced course
Video lectures
Quizzes and assignments

Similar Courses

Data Analysis and Interpretation
Research Methods

Related Education Paths

Related Books

Description

This course presents research conducted to increase our understanding of how data collection decisions affect survey errors. This is not a “how–to-do-it” course on data collection, but instead reviews the literature on survey design decisions and data quality in order to sensitize learners to how alternative survey designs might impact the data obtained from those surveys.

The course reviews a range of survey data collection methods that are both interview-based (face-to-face and telephone) and self-administered (paper questionnaires that are mailed and those that are implemented online, i.e. as web surveys). Mixed mode designs are also covered as well as several hybrid modes for collecting sensitive information e.g., self-administering the sensitive questions in what is otherwise a face-to-face interview. The course also covers newer methods such as mobile web and SMS (text message) interviews, and examines alternative data sources such as social media. It concentrates on the impact these techniques have on the quality of survey data, including error from measurement, nonresponse, and coverage, and assesses the tradeoffs between these error sources when researchers choose a mode or survey design.

Outline

Module 1: Introduction, Classic Modes of Survey Data Collection
1.1 What this course is … and is not
1.2.1 Introduction to Survey Errors
1.2.2 Variable Error and Bias
1.2.3 Total Survey Error
1.3.1 What do we mean by “mode?”
1.3.2 Mode Choice (by respondent)
1.4.1 Mixed Mode Design
1.4.2 Concurrent Mixed Mode
1.4.3 Sequential (Follow-up) Mixed Mode
1.4.4 Interview with David Weir (U. Michigan) on Mixed Mode Designs
1.5.1 Response Rates
1.5.2 Nonresponse Error
Module 1 Overview
Help us learn more about you!
Module 1 Required Readings
Module 1 Lecture Slides
Notice for Auditing Learners: Assignment Submission
Module 1: Classic Modes of Data Collection

Module 2: Self-administration, Online Data Collection
2.1.1 Modes (interviewer- and self-administered), CASI, ACASI
2.1.2 ACASI continued
2.2.1 Coverage
2.2.2 Nonresponse
2.2.3 Measurement
2.3.1 Progress Indicators, Running Tallies
2.3.2 Online Definitions
2.3.3 Speeding Interventions
2.4 Reg Baker (MRII) about web surveys in market research
Module 2 Overview
Module 2 Required Readings
Module 2 Lecture Slides
Quiz Two

Module 3: Interviewers and Interviewing
3.1.1 Interviewer Roles, Obtaining Interviews
3.1.2 Respondent selection, Within Household Sampling
3.1.3 Proxy Responding
3.2.1 Standardization Debate: Wording vs. Meaning
3.2.2 Different approaches to standardized interviewing
3.2.3 Personal vs. Formal Style, I-R Rapport
3.3.1 Variance: Interviewer Behavior
3.3.2 Bias: Interviewers’ Fixed Attributes
3.4 Interview with Nora Cate Schaeffer (UW) about recruitment and interviewing
Module 3 Overview
Module 3 Required Readings
Module 3 Lecture Slides
Quiz Three

Module 4: Emerging modes, new data sources
4.1.1 New Modes, New Data
4.1.2 Mobile Web Surveys
4.1.3 Text Message Surveys
4.1.4 Text vs. Voice Interviews
4.2.1 Record linkage: statistical issues
4.2.2 Record linkage: Techniques
4.2.3 Record linkage: informed consent and ethical issues
4.3.1 Uses of Big Data, Sensing Technology, Social Media Content as Data
4.3.2 Social media applications: Measuring Mood and Depression
4.3.3 Social Media and Population Estimates: Successes
4.3.4 Why does social media content align with surveys data sometimes and not other times?
4.4 Interview with Aigul Mavletova (National Research University Higher School of Economics, Mosow) on mobile web surveys
Module 4 Overview
Module 4 Required Readings
Module 4 Lecture Slides
Post-course Survey
Keep Learning with Michigan Online
Module 4: Emerging modes, new data sources
Final Exam

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the best data collection methods with this comprehensive course on Coursera. Students have consistently rated this course highly, with many praising the practical applications they gained from the course material. One key aspect that users often find valuable is the real-world examples that the course provides.

Pros from User Reviews

Practical applications that are useful in real-world scenarios.
Clear explanations of complex concepts.
Engaging content that keeps students interested.
Great instructor who is knowledgeable and helpful.
Well-structured course that is easy to follow.

Cons from User Reviews

Some users may find the course material too basic or not challenging enough.
Limited opportunities for interaction with other students.
Lack of hands-on activities or projects.
Not enough emphasis on the latest trends and developments in data collection methods.
Some technical issues with the website or course platform.

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