Technology to Support Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Data Collection

In the area of study implementation and data gathering, there are several ways technology can support the research activities.  For example, if a study requires the development of instructional materials, simulations or interventions, technology such as Flash animation, virtual reality software or simulation software can be easily produced (Leedy, 2000, p. 20) Furthermore, technologies such as email, the World Wide Web, and the Internet can facilitate the distribution of surveys, or evaluations while making the data collection seamless and efficient. 
            The concept of digital convergence enables qualitative researchers to use a variety of technologies to collect data in a digital format for ease of later analysis (Brown, 2002, Collecting Digital Data section, ¶ 5).  However, it is important to note that the concept of digital convergence does not mandate that all data be collected digitally, but rather expands the options for qualitative and quantitative data collection. 
            After an initial introduction, the high cost of technologies tends to fall rapidly and becomes affordable for the mainstream consumer.  Most of today’s technology is inexpensive enough to merit serious consideration by independent researchers who must weight the costs vs. benefits of particular technologies. For example, if the research design calls for data to be collected through extensive recorded interviews the researcher should consider a digital camcorder that allows for the collection of digital audio, video, and still photos at a reasonable cost.  Collecting interview data in a digital format offers a variety of ways for the researcher to review, organize, and analyze the data as well as to include appropriate segments when presenting research findings. 
            Although recorded interviews have been in the qualitative repertoire, for a while, the Internet offers some innovative and time saving methods for collecting digital data. “The development of information technology and particularly the growth of the Internet has created not only new ways in which researchers can analyze their data, but also created whole new areas from which data can be collected and ways in which it can be collected” (Gibbs, 2002, Data Gathering section, ¶ 5).  The use of online surveys, email interviews, online focus groups, and listserv polls not only offer new ways of conducting interviews, but they expand the researchers’ access to perspective interview candidates as well. 
            By contrast, online interviewing techniques raise some challenges that traditional interviewing formats do not, such as, the depth of interview material available, the loss of paralinguistic cues and limited sample size (Chen, 1999, Online Interviewing: A Synthesis of Advantages and Limitations section ¶ 1-2).  Such challenges should be considered in light of the benefits of e-interviews such as the fact they need no transcription, are not constrained by time or place, and do not require significant financial resources to collect (Gibbs, 2002, Data Gathering section ¶ 6).
            Another technique being used to collect qualitative data is the concept of online focus groups.  Online focus groups has some significant advantages including cost savings, objectivity of subjects, geographic reach, and speed of implementation and analysis (Chen, 1999, Assessing the Value of Online Research: Three Examples section ¶4).  Disadvantages of online focus groups include the tendency for participants to increase their willingness to voice negative views, the requirement to screen participants carefully, and the lack of facial expression in the text based online environment (1999, ¶ 4).
            Clearly, these new technologies can potentially enhance several aspects of qualitative research design relating to data collection.  Researchers planning to use such technologies must carefully review the advantages and disadvantages within the context of the research study.  As these technologies become commonplace and both society and researchers gain confidence with the technologies, a number of the disadvantages may no longer have a significant impact on the research outcomes. 

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