Data collection methods are methods used to gather information for research purposes.

Different types of data and methods are used to gather this information, aiming to provide answers to research questions.

Sekaran and Bougie (2020) identified surveys, interviews, observations, and focus groups as the primary data collection methods, discussed in detail below.

A survey is used in business research to gather quantitative and qualitative data on various research questions. It is commonly used in exploratory and descriptive studies, focusing on consumer decision-making, customer satisfaction, job satisfaction, health services, and management information systems. Surveys can be one-time or ongoing, allowing researchers to observe changes over time. Questions are usually self-administered questionnaires, which respondents complete on their own. Other survey instruments include interviews and structured observation. Surveys offer advantages such as quick and cost-effective reach for large-scale studies and a structured format for analysis. They are also famous for their ability to describe, compare, and explain people's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. However, they may not capture complex or nuanced information due to predefined response choices. They can also be susceptible to response bias, where participants may provide socially desirable answers instead of honest ones.

An interview is a purposeful conversation between two or more people, conducted in various formats such as face-to-face, telephone, or online, and can be unstructured or structured. It involves open-ended questions to gather detailed information about the participant's thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors. Advantages include in-depth understanding and real-time adapting to questioning. However, disadvantages include time-consuming and resource-intensive interviews, requiring trained interviewers, and significant time for conducting and analyzing responses. Interviewer bias may also be introduced if not performed carefully.

Observations directly observe and record behavior in natural settings, providing valuable contextual information and reducing the risk of artificiality in laboratory settings or self-reported measures. However, they may suffer from observer bias, where expectations or biases influence data interpretation, and some behaviors may be altered if subjects are aware they are being observed.

Focus groups are informal discussions in which a moderator leads on a specific topic, concept, or product. They are often composed of eight to ten members, chosen based on their familiarity with the subject. Examples include women with children identifying organizations' support for working mothers or young people worldwide for product ideas. The moderator guides the discussions, ensuring the information is drawn out, and the members stay on track. Focus groups offer advantages like diverse opinions and exploration of new topics. However, dominant voices can sway discussions, potentially silencing less assertive participants. Skilled facilitators are required to moderate these discussions effectively.

The appropriateness of using various research methods and the most suitable research approach under which they should be used

The choice of data collection method depends on the specific needs of the research project and the available resources. Quantitative methods like surveys, questionnaires, and forms are suitable for large-scale studies, providing structured responses for statistical analysis. However, qualitative data, such as interviews, observations, and focus groups, can provide deeper insights into experiences, opinions, and behaviors. Open-ended questions in surveys can also provide qualitative data. Cost is another factor, as in-person conversations may only be feasible for some respondents. Distributing questionnaires can be a cost-saving method. Language barriers and connectivity issues should also be considered. For respondents who speak different languages, consideration has to be given to translation services or multilingual data collection tools. If data is collected using mobile devices, researchers must ensure the tool provides offline data collection, allowing for data collection without internet connectivity (Surveycto.com, 2024).

When is it appropriate to use each of these methods, and under which research approach is the most appropriate? Why? Please provide scholar articles with five years to support answers