Data Collection in the Field of Human Essay

Total Length: 796 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 3

Data Collection in the Field of Human Services

In the history of science and research, collecting data has always been based on empiricism. Collecting information that can be easily verifiable and validated, through means that are repeatable and information based on scientific experiments. In the field of Human Services information is collected in many different ways such as observation, questionnaire, longitudinal studies and other methods of collecting data that are newer to the world science. There are two basic techniques that are utilized for collecting data in the field of human services, qualitative methods and quantitative methods of collecting data. In this paper I will discuss qualitative methods and quantitative methods for collecting research in this field. I will also discuss how quantitative methods are utilized.

Quantitative method of collecting data allows the researcher to collect information utilizing mathematical models, utilizing theories and hypothesis. This method is often used to test theories and verify null and alternative hypothesis. When using quantitative methods the researcher proposes an alternative hypothesis using existing research to support the hypothesis and data is then gathered then analyzed.

Qualitative methods allow the researchers to gather information about topics they otherwise would not be able to research.
This is a special tool that was developed to gather information that would not be otherwise researchable using empiricism. Researchers use tools such as longitudinal studies, observational techniques and questionnaires to collect data. This type of research allows researcher to get information about the way people feel, about emotions and events that have occurred in someone's life. These types of data are currently only collectable in the qualitative research methods.

Some of the important aspects of quantitative research methods are ensuring that the questions are stated in clear, concise manner. Determine what variables will be assessed and if the researcher is interested in between groups' measurements. Information is gathered in four ways, nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio format. Deciding which of these four methods will be used to collect data will help decide how the data will be analyzed.

Reliability and validity in any research project in the field of human services is essential Reliability refers to the repeatability of the research, and validity refers how accurately the researcher measures the intended variable. It is important that the researcher documents the different procedures in the study to ensure there is reliability and validity. The data should be collected….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Data Collection In The Field Of Human" (2011, March 12) Retrieved April 29, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/data-collection-field-human-120824

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Data Collection In The Field Of Human" 12 March 2011. Web.29 April. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/data-collection-field-human-120824>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Data Collection In The Field Of Human", 12 March 2011, Accessed.29 April. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/data-collection-field-human-120824