There are many ways to get data; these methods are (Surveys, Experiments, Secondary Data Studies & Observation Techniques). This paper will discuss each of them separately, their definition, types, and finally, their benefits and disadvantages.
Surveys:
Surveys and polls are the most common ways for researchers to obtain data about a study; according to (Slattery, Voelker, Nussenbaum, Rich, Paniello & Neely, 2011), Surveys are research tools based on the answers and responses of a predetermined sample from a random group of respondents, based on the answers or the description of the existing situation, a conclusion can be reached that can be generalized to the research result. There are three types: the exploratory survey based on visions and expectations; the descriptive survey, which describes the existing situation; and the causal scan, which writes down the differences and understands the variables.
Experiments
These studies are designed using a scientific approach to monitor and control specific behaviors and test hypotheses on their basis. In this method, researchers make particular changes and monitor the results of these changes. Its types in business research falls into two types which are field experiments, which are based on the behavior of customers and users of a particular good or service. Quasi Experiment, in which the researcher does not manipulate any element of the experiment, making it more like an experiment (Cobb, Confrey, DisSessa, Lehrer & Schauble, 2003).
Secondary Data Studies
Secondary data exists to answer several questions, but it differs from primary data, which is from its source. Examples of secondary data are data from encyclopedias, articles, research papers, and published results. Such data can be used to analyze the literature and reach conclusions and recommendations (Trzesniewski, Donnellan & Lucas, 2011).
Observation techniques
Research is based on observing participants, their choices, and their interactions with their environment. There are many tools for this technology, such as records, photos, and videos. This method records incoming data, sorts them, and benefits from their results (Ciesielska, Bostrom & Ohlander, 2018).
The most appropriate search methods
All these techniques must be used when doing integrated research to reach complete information. Otherwise, the research will need more data that has been studied extensively; therefore, the results will be full and correct. For example, the two pollution problems at construction sites need to be surveyed to determine who is affected by them. On the other hand, conducting some experiments on the proposed solutions and whether they work is necessary. There is also secondary data that the researchers had made before, and the results they had reached were sorted. Did anyone beat me to the answer or not? Finally, observational techniques record everything the researcher might see and notice in the random sample.
Conclusion
According to (Cooper, Schindler & Sun, 2006), Although Surveys, Experiments, and Secondary Data Studies are Critical in research, each has a drawback that must be noted. For example, the Surveys depend on the sincerity of the sample and its motives for the answer, as the answer may be false. The Experiments rely on the honesty of the researcher/in monitoring changes. In secondary data studies, the reliability of the quoted source depends on the reliability of the source. Finally, the researcher must use observation techniques and refrain from being marred by falsifying facts.
References
Ciesielska, M., Boström, K. W., & Öhlander, M. (2018). Observation methods. In Qualitative methodologies in organization Studies (pp. 33-52). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Cooper, D. R., Schindler, P. S., & Sun, J. (2006). Business research methods (Vol. 9, pp. 1-744). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Cobb, P., Confrey, J., DiSessa, A., Lehrer, R., & Schauble, L. (2003). Design experiments in educational research. Educational researcher, 32(1), 9-13.
Slattery, E. L., Voelker, C. C., Nussenbaum, B., Rich, J. T., Paniello, R. C., & Neely, J. G. (2011). A practical guide to surveys And questionnaires. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 144(6), 831-837.
Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Lucas, R. E. (Eds.). (2011). Secondary data analysis: An introduction for Psychologists. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.