Microsoft Word research method fm doc

Bias in Information Collection 
BIAS in information collection is a distortion in the collected data so that it does not represent 
reality. 
 
Possible sources of bias during data collection: 
 
1. Defective instruments, such as:
• 
Questionnaires with:
— fixed or closed questions on topics about which little is known (often asking the 
‘wrong things’); 
— open-ended questions without guidelines on how to ask (or to answer) them; 

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Research methodology 
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— vaguely phrased questions; 
— ‘leading questions’ that cause the respondent to believe one answer would be 
preferred over another; or 
— questions placed in an illogical order. 
• 
Weighing scales or other measuring equipment that are not standardised.
These sources of bias can be prevented by carefully planning the data 
collection process
and by pre-testing the data collection tools. 
 
2. Observer bias:
Observer bias can easily occur when conducting observations or utilising 
loosely structured group- or individual interviews. There is a risk that the data 
collector will only see or hear things in which (s)he is interested or will miss 
information that is critical to the research. 
Observation protocols
and guidelines for conducting loosely structured 
interviews
should be prepared, and training and practice should be provided to 
data collectors in using both these tools. Moreover it is highly recommended 
that data collectors work in pairs when using flexible research techniques and 
discuss and interpret the data immediately after collecting it. Another possibility 
- commonly used by anthropologists - is using a tape recorder and transcribing 
the tape word by word.