Data Module #3 - Finding & Collecting Data for Your Research

1. In this module, we identified three broad strategies for obtaining research data. What are these three strategies?   

     a - Getting it from government web sites, looking at what other researchers have collected, or searching the web using a search engine.

     b - Collecting the data yourself, gathering data collected by someone else, or combining these strategies together.

     c - Using an open-ended survey, using observation to gather data about your subject matter, conducting personal or group interviews.

     d - Using the wide range of data available through the U.S. Census, harvesting data available through data repositories, finding data available through public polling sites.

What do you think?

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2. Using existing data collected by someone else is a common practice among student researchers.  Which of the following are advantages to using existing data?   (select all that apply)

     a - It is often more cost effective. 

     b - A wide variety of data are available online.  

     c - It saves you time.

     d - It is likely you will find the perfect data for your research project. 

What do you think?

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3. Which of the following are potential sources for locating existing data?

     a - Government agency web sites.

     b - Data repositories. A wide variety of both general and discipline-specific repositories where data are preserved and made available for sharing exist. 

     c - Organizations with an interest in your research topic, such as non-profit research centers, foundations, trade associations, etc.

     d - All of the above.  

What do you think?

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4. Collecting original data has many advantages. Which of the following are among these advantages?   

     a - You have complete control over the variables included in data collection.

     b - You have greater understanding of the data collection process that was used allowing you to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data collected.

     c - You are able to collect data that no one has before.

     d - All of the above.

What do you think?

CHECK YOUR ANSWER