Carter, K and Fortune, C (2004) Issues with data collection methods in construction management research. In: Khosrowshahi, F (ed.) Proceedings of 20th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2004, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract
The effectiveness of data collection is vital to the overall quality of research. A review of data collection methods was carried out on construction management research to establish trends. A survey was administered to a sample of 650 housing associations using two data collection tools, the traditional postal survey and a web-based survey. Response rates, and the dimensions of time and cost were compared to measure the effectiveness of each method. The web is a relatively untapped resource for construction management research. Literature on web surveys argues the advantages in terms of reduced time and cost and potentially higher response rates. It is suggested that it could assist in making data available quicker, cheaper and in greater quantities. This can only be a benefit to research. A review of ARCOM proceedings, Refereed Journals and Postgraduate research shows limited utilisation of the web as a research tool. The range of data collection methods commonly adopted in both quantitative and qualitative research was identified. There is a common theme of low response rates which may lead to less than rigorous analysis. The results of the survey comparison illustrate the differences between a traditional approach to data collection and the use of modern technology. There are concerns in the use of the web in research. Sample selection and traceability become less controllable. Access to the web is traditionally seen as a limitation to participation. These factors are being addressed by the new web technology and obstacles to the use of the web are slowly being removed. The approach to data collection is fundamental to the conclusions that may be drawn from a piece of research. In understanding the mechanisms associated with data collection researchers are able to use modern technology to take the drudgery out of the process. Potentially more time can be spent in designing research and analysing the results than is typically spent in collecting data.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | data collection; research methods; quantitative and qualitative research |
| Index terms: | dimension, housing association, postgraduate, qualitative research, effectiveness, survey, journal, traceability, management research |
| Subjects: | research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, research design and methodology, supplier oversight, health monitoring assessment and metrics, institutional client, performance management, higher education |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here