Data is the information obtained by psychologists using different tools, regarding the behaviour, experiences and mental processes.
Data collection is a difficult process, which faces many challenges.
Methods of data collection: Every method of data collection has its advantages as well as disadvantages which affect the collection of data.
For example:
- Experimental method has the advantage of accuracy and objectivity but facts are derived from artificial conditions not close to reality.
- Observation and Interview are close to reality but they lack objectivity; surveys are complex and expensive means of data collection.
- Characteristics of respondents. Different categories of people behave and respond differently.
For example: Females are not so open about their views on certain issues, same goes for male, rural and urban population behave differently on certain issues (for example child marriage), also group and individual behaviour greatly vary.
Situational context: People respond quite differently in different situations.
- They do not sometimes share their private belief in public.
- Also they change their behaviour according to the situation. It might not reflect their true opinion.