Methods of Data Collection Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Methods of Data Collection - Assignment Example In a structured interview, there are set of questions that are asked by the researcher and there is nothing more than this. (Leedy,1997). Face -to -face interview data collection method has a distinct advantage that enables the researcher to come up with a report that has potential participants. Hence this makes him able to gain their cooperation. In survey research, this interview produces the highest response rates. It also enables the researcher to be able to clarify answers that are ambiguous, seek follow-up information and when appropriate. Some of the limitations include time-consuming, expensive and impractical when large samples are used. (Leedy,1997). Telephone interviews method of data collection are less expensive and less time consuming and the researcher has easy access to anyone in the world with a telephone. The limitations are that the rate of response is not that high as that of the face-to-face interview but relatively higher as compared to the mailed questionnaire. There may be biases in the sample whereby the persons with no phones are included in the population where the researcher wants to draw inferences from. Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing involves personal interviewing, whereby the interviewer comes along with a hand-held computer or a laptop to enter the information directly into the database instead of completing a questionnaire. This data collection method saves time during data processing. It also saves the interviewer from having hundreds of questionnaires. However, on the other hand, this method of data collection can be expensive to set up and needs the interviewers to have a computer as well as typing skills (Markham, 2004). Questionnaires normally make use of rating scales and Checklist. These devices usually help in quantifying and simplifying peoples attitudes and behaviours. A checklist is a list of characteristics, behaviours or other entities which the researcher is interested in.  Ã‚  

The bottled drinking water industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The bottled drinking water industry - Essay Example Qualitative measures are to be given utmost importance as it will maintain good health and prevent us from deadly diseases. The awareness about the good quality water became significant for last two decades due to information technology and hence people started preferring bottled drinking water. There are several types of bottled water available in the world (FN2). 1) Purified drinking water 2) Naturally sparkling water 3) Mineral water 4) seltzer 5) Mineral water etc. mineral water contains dissolved solids like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and bicarbonates. (a) In general the consumer surveys revealed that the taste of bottled water is fine compared to that of tap water. It is due to the fact that the disinfectant used for bottled water i.e. ozone doesn't leave any residue or smell. In case of tap water residue will be left by chlorine (disinfectant). As a result 54 % of the American population is found to be consuming bottled drinking water and the it is reported that the consumption of bottled water became tripled in the last decade in U.S.A. Bottled-water consumption has also increased around the world in the past 30 years. It is estimated to be worth $22 billion, the world bottled-water market represents an annual volume of 89 billion liters. It is reported that Western Europeans are the world's major bottled water consumers-85 liters per person annually (FN4). Concern over regulations of bottled drinking water: However there has been growing concern over safety regulations of bottled drinking water in the recent days. Hence here is a need to analyze the present level of regulations, its adequacy and relevance, organization controlling regulations and information provided to the customers relating to critical health contaminants and source of water supply. Let us discuss one by one. (1) What is the present level of regulation for bottled drinking water Presently the bottled drinking water is regulated by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). FDA regulates this product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA or the Act) and several sections of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Bottled water quality standards were initially adopted in 1973 and were based on the 1962 U.S. Public Health Service standards for drinking water. In 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act gave the responsibility to the Environmental Protection Agency for ensuring the safety of municipal water systems, which includes setting maximum limits for chemical, bacteriological and radioactive contaminants and physical contaminants that affect odor, taste and color. In