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Mastering Data Collection Tools and Instruments

A Simplified Guide

by M. Rezaul Islam (Author)
©2024 Monographs XXII, 330 Pages

Summary

This book is your key to unlocking the power of data in research, decision-making, and policy formulation. This comprehensive guide will equip both beginners and experienced data collectors with essential skills, ethical insights, and the technological expertise needed to thrive in today’s data-driven environment.
Serving as your trusted navigator in a world where data is paramount, this book covers everything from choosing the right tools to conducting interviews and addressing ethical concerns. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring your data collection efforts are rigorous, ethical, and impactful, whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional.

Table Of Contents

  • Cover
  • Title
  • Copyright
  • About the author
  • About the book
  • This eBook can be cited
  • Dedication
  • Contents
  • List of Figures and Tables
  • Acknowledgments
  • Foreword
  • Preface
  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • Chapter 2 Fundamentals of Data Collection
  • Chapter 3 Selecting the Right Tools and Instruments
  • Chapter 4 Data Collection Tools: An Overview
  • Chapter 5 Designing Data Collection Instruments
  • Chapter 6 Using Technology in Data Collection
  • Chapter 7 Scaling and Validating Instruments
  • Chapter 8 Ethical Considerations in Data Collection
  • Chapter 9 Data Collection in Diverse Contexts
  • Chapter 10 Analyzing and Interpreting Collected Data
  • Chapter 11 Enhancing Data Collection Skills
  • Chapter 12 Conclusion
  • Bibliography
  • Index
  • About the Author

Mastering Data Collection Tools and Instruments A Simplified Guide

M. Rezaul Islam

About the author

M. Rezaul Islam, PhD, Professor of Social Work at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, boasts 27 years of experience in teaching and research. His expertise spans social work, community development, climate change, and migration studies. Recognized globally, he has authored over 120 impactful journal articles and 15 books, focusing on social justice and empowerment for marginalized communities. He serves on the International Advisory Board of the Community Development Journal (OUP) and hold editorial positions with four other journals.

About the book

This book is your key to unlocking the power of data in research, decision-making, and policy formulation. This comprehensive guide will equip both beginners and experienced data collectors with essential skills, ethical insights, and the technological expertise needed to thrive in today’s data-driven environment.

Serving as your trusted navigator in a world where data is paramount, this book covers everything from choosing the right tools to conducting interviews and addressing ethical concerns. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring your data collection efforts are rigorous, ethical, and impactful, whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional.

This eBook can be cited

This edition of the eBook can be cited. To enable this we have marked the start and end of a page. In cases where a word straddles a page break, the marker is placed inside the word at exactly the same position as in the physical book. This means that occasionally a word might be bifurcated by this marker.

To my daughter Jemima Fairose and son Riasat Anjam,

Your unwavering love and boundless joy have filled my life with meaning and purpose. This book is dedicated to both of you, who inspire me every day to pursue knowledge and share it with the world.

Figures and Tables

Figures

  1. Figure 1.1. The Role of Tools and Instruments.
  2. Figure 2.1. Steps in the Data Collection Process.
  3. Figure 4.1. Steps to Conduct PRA.

Tables

Acknowledgments

I am especially grateful to my wife (Anjum Akter), daughter (Jemima Fairose), and son (Riasat Anjam) whose unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my endeavor to write this book, “Mastering Data Collection Tools and Instruments: A Simplified Guide.” Their love and understanding have inspired me throughout this journey, and I am deeply thankful for their patience and belief in my work.

I also extend heartfelt thanks to my undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. students at the University of Dhaka, University of Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) of BRAC University, University of Sharjah, University of Johannesburg, and the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy. Your enthusiasm for learning and insightful discussions have significantly influenced the content of this book.

Furthermore, I appreciate the faculty and staff at numerous global and Bangladeshi universities where I have had the privilege to deliver over 100 lectures and public talks on different aspects of social research. Your engagement and feedback have been invaluable in shaping the ideas and concepts presented in this book.

Special thanks to Peter Lang and Ms. Indrani Dutta, Acquisitions Editor (India), for their guidance and support in bringing this manuscript to publication. Your expertise and dedication have been essential in making this book accessible to a broader audience.

Lastly, to my relatives and friends, thank you for your enduring support and belief in my aspirations. Your encouragement has been a constant source of strength and motivation.

Warm regards,

M. Rezaul Islam, Ph.D. (Nottingham)

Shaheed Giasuddin Ahmed Residential Area

Dhaka University Campus

Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

E-mail: <rezauldu@gmail.com>, <rezaul.iswr@du.ac.bd>

Foreword

“Mastering Data Collection Tools and Instruments: A Simplified Guide” is a valuable asset for students, academics, and health professionals. It is also an essential resource for anyone involved in social research and offers a comprehensive yet accessible explanation of the tools and techniques necessary for effective data collection. The author, Professor M. Rezaul Islam, draws upon his wealth of experience and expertise to guide readers through the complexities of data collection in a simple to read manner that is evidence-based and practical.

Details

Pages
XXII, 330
Publication Year
2024
ISBN (PDF)
9781803747194
ISBN (ePUB)
9781803747200
ISBN (Softcover)
9781803747187
DOI
10.3726/b22280
Language
English
Publication date
2025 (March)
Keywords
Social research data collection tools and instruments quantitative qualitative interviews observations focus groups technology online surveys mobile apps validity reliability ethical considerations cultural sensitivity data analysis instrument design informed consent
Published
Oxford, Berlin, Bruxelles, Chennai, Lausanne, New York, 2025. XXII, 330 pp., 3 fig. b/w, 6 tables.
Product Safety
Peter Lang Group AG

Biographical notes

M. Rezaul Islam (Author)

M. Rezaul Islam, PhD, Professor of Social Work at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, boasts 27 years of experience in teaching and research. His expertise spans social work, community development, climate change, and migration studies. Recognized globally, he has authored over 120 impactful journal articles and 15 books, focusing on social justice and empowerment for marginalized communities. He serves on the International Advisory Board of the Community Development Journal (OUP) and holds editorial positions with four other journals.

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Title: Mastering Data Collection Tools and Instruments