Data Collection Techniques: Surveys, Interviews, and Questionnaires
Operations Staff Responsibilities
Operations staff are responsible for the computer center, telecommunications network, security hardware and software, implementing programs, and managing printers. The analyst must recognize the constraints of the new system based on the available technology.
Conducting Effective Surveys
Guidelines for conducting a survey include:
- Identifying problems, opportunities, and objectives
- Starting a project
- Addressing problems within the organization
Information Collection Techniques
Sampling
Sampling is a method of collecting information where a systems analyst decides what and who to examine or observe, based on a target. From that goal, representative elements of a population are systematically selected.
Objectives of Data Sampling
There are four objectives in data sampling and the selection of persons to interview, survey, and observe:
- Cost of data collection
- Speed of data collection
- Improving the efficiency of data collection
- Risk reduction of data
Sampling Design
There are four steps to achieve a good sampling design:
- Establishing the data to be collected or described
- Identifying the population subject to sample selection
- Selecting the type of sample
- Deciding the size of the sample
Types of Samples
Four main types of samples:
- Samples of convenience
- Judgmental samples
- Simple random samples
- Complex random samples
- Systematic Samples
- Stratified samples
- Cluster samples
Research Data Analysis
Research data reveals the specific historical location of the organization and its members, indicating where it is heading. Documents should be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Quantitative Documents
Quantitative Documents: Corporate reports, reports used for decision-making, performance reports, and forms.
Qualitative Documents
Qualitative Documents: This analysis is essential to understand how members of the organization are involved in the process. Include memos, signs posted on boards and work areas, operating procedures, and policies.
Interview Techniques
Types of Information Obtained During the Interview
- Objectives
- Reviews
- Feelings
- Informal Procedures
Planning the Interview
Five steps for preparing an interview:
- Background reading
- Setting the goals of the interview
- Selection of respondents
- Prepare the interviewee
- Selecting the type and structure of the questions
The two basic types of questions are open and closed. A closed type of response is Bipolar, which is even more limited by having only two alternatives, such as yes/no or true/false.
Surveys
A third type of question is the poll. The simplest poll question is “Why?”. The purpose of the survey is to go beyond the initial response for greater meaning and to clarify or extend the interviewee’s points.
Question Order and Structure
Pyramid Structure
It is used when the interviewee needs to set the story in the issue. Pyramid structures begin with a specific question and conclude with a general one.
Funnel Structure
Funnel questions for the interview start with general questions and are directed at specific questions, concluding with a specific one.
Diamond Structure
Diamond structures begin with a specific question and conclude with a specific question.
Questionnaires
Types of Information Sought
Questionnaires are an information collection technique that allows systems analysts to examine attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and characteristics of several key people in the organization who may be affected by the current and proposed systems.