ABSTRACT
After you have decided on the type of data to be collected (quantitative, qualitative or both), and have also decided on the research approach (survey, case study, action research or analysing archival data), you will be in a position to think seriously about the technique for collecting the data. This chapter will explain the main features of two major research techniques available to elicit data and information from respondents. These are the postal questionnaire and the personal interview. It has to be stressed, however, that data collection does not necessarily depend on one method or technique. Some research depends solely on one method of data collection but others do not. In other words, it is possible for you to conduct a postal questionnaire and a case study, or to conduct interviews in addition to a postal questionnaire, or whatever. It is also possible that your dissertation questionnaire includes quantitative questions as well as qualitative ones. Your decision will depend on your judgement as to which method or techniques will best obtain the information you need in order to achieve the purpose of your study. Whatever decision you make, you need to consult your supervisor before going ahead with it. The contents of Chapter 5 are illustrated in Figure 5.1.
