Research data collection – сollection of any kind of data from public and paid sources. We use a crawling mechanism that allows collecting data into the format of your requirement. Either we can deliver raw data in a predefined format, or structured information in form of a data research report.
If we talk about the methodological features of TDF, the main emphasis is placed on such an important feature of the integration of research approaches, as combining their advantages and neutralizing their disadvantages. Thus, mixed-type studies allow:
a) cross-validate data from different sources;
b) exclude or minimize competing explanations and interpretations;
c) clarify contradictory aspects of the phenomenon under study
Data collection. Burke Johnson and Lisa Turner identify 18 specific approaches to data collection based on six methods (survey, interview, focus group, test, observation, secondary data) and the research approach used (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method). The different data collection methods can be combined in two ways – intramethod or inter method.
Intramethod combination consists of the competitive (i.e., simultaneous) or sequential use of a separate method including both quantitative and qualitative components. In this case, triangulation of the data is ensured.
Intermethod blending uses the competitive or sequential use of multiple methods. These methods can belong to any of the research approaches. Accordingly, this type of mixing can result in either purely quantitative or qualitative data collection or a combination of both. In this case, a triangulation of methods is provided.
To determine how to combine different methods within a single research project, the specifics of the different data collection methods in the context of each approach, as well as their weaknesses and strengths, must be considered.
The qualitative approach relies on open-ended questions and the unstructured nature of the survey document (the researcher does not care in what order the answers are given or whether they are given to all questions). The quantitative approach is associated with questionnaires, which are familiar to sociologists – most questions are closed (or semi-closed), and the questionnaire is strictly structured. Consequently, questionnaires allow the use of intramethod combinations Intramethod combinations are possible in principle and depend solely on the needs of the researcher.
