Managing Risks in Research Data Collection

 

Managing Risks in Research Data Collection

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Data collection and analysis are key components of research, and they can be accomplished through a variety of techniques, including surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments. Research exposes participants, researchers, and the larger community to risks even if it can produce insightful and useful knowledge.

The possibility of suffering harm or discomfort is one of the main dangers involved in research with human subjects (California State University, n.d.). This could involve discomfort on an emotional, psychological, or physical level. Factors including improper data collection methods, insufficient personal data protection, and privacy invasion could cause adverse effects. Participants may feel anxious or uncomfortable while the data is being gathered, particularly if they are requested to divulge sensitive or private information (Trochim, 2006). Interviews, focus groups, and observation are just a few of the qualitative research data collection approaches that come with risks (Smith & Osborn, 2008). According to Braun and Clarke (2013), these strategies may make individuals feel uncomfortable or stressed out and may even trigger unpleasant or traumatizing experiences. For instance, in-depth interviews can be emotionally exhausting, and focus groups can be uncomfortable since participants must voice their ideas in front of others (Krueger & Casey, 2014). Additionally, if a participant feels inspected or judged while being observed, it may be uncomfortable for them (Merriam, 2009). Invasion of privacy is another concern, as participants may be prompted to disclose private information, they may not feel comfortable disclosing to others (Bryman, 2016).

Researchers should take precautions to safeguard participant safety and privacy to reduce these risks. This can entail gaining consent with full knowledge, maintaining participants' anonymity and confidentiality, and offering suitable support services to those who might be distressed (Punch, 2014). Additionally, researchers should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each data collection method and select approaches that minimize participant discomfort and harm (Denzin & Lincoln, 2017). When it comes to the possibility of research methodologies causing tension or pain among participants during data collection, this is especially true when delicate subjects or personal data are involved. However, researchers can take measures to minimize these risks by providing clear information about the research objectives, ensuring confidentiality, and offering support services to participants if needed (Flick, 2018). Moreover, the researchers can use appropriate measures, such as debriefing or follow-up sessions, to mitigate any stress or discomfort caused by the research.

In conclusion, research plays a crucial role in generating knowledge and insights that can inform decision-making and contribute to the advancement of various fields. However, research also poses risks to participants, researchers, and the wider community. Therefore, researchers must take proactive measures to manage these risks and ensure that their research is ethical, reliable, and contributes to the betterment of society. By doing so, research can continue to serve as a valuable tool for understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing our world today.

References

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/successful-qualitative-research/book237924

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/social-research-methods-9780199689453?cc=us&lang=en&

Data collection strategies II: Qualitative research. (n.d.). California State University. http://web.csulb.edu/~msaintg/ppa696/696quali.htm

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2017). The SAGE Handbook of qualitative research. Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-sage-handbook-of-qualitative-research/book236571

Flick, U. (2018). The Sage Handbook of qualitative data collection. Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-sage-handbook-of-qualitative-data-collection/book243122

Krueger, R. A., & Casey, M. A. (2014). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research. Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/focus-groups/book238017

Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Qualitative+Research%3A+A+Guide+to+Design+and+Implementation%2C+4th+Edition-p-9780470283547

Punch, K. F. (2014). Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/introduction-to-social-research/book238103

Smith, J. A., & Osborn, M. (2008). Interpretative phenomenological analysis. In J. A. Smith (Ed.), Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods (pp. 53-80). Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/qualitative-psychology/book228781

Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). Descriptive statistics. conjoint.ly. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/statdesc.php