ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the most common sources of data collected in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies. Quantitative data are typically collected via a survey or from an existing data source. The main types of quantitative data are nominal, ordinal, and scale data. The type of data collected quantitatively depends on the research question posed. Approaches to collecting qualitative data are also presented in this chapter. Qualitative data are typically collected via individual interviews, focus group interviews, or document review. Regardless of the type of data being collected in a research project, it is important for the researcher to consider validity, reliability, and trustworthiness as they identify their potential data sources. Finally, it is critical that selections for data sources are in alignment with the research question(s) being posed. Dissertators will find this chapter useful as they consider sources of data to include in their research methods chapter.
