# Data Collection Methods Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/data-collection-methods>

## Overview

Discover how the data can shape the results and reliability of a management study or audit. This interactive course provides knowledge and practical techniques for collecting good primary data. Learners develop tools for collecting primary data and practice data collection methods for observations, interviews, and questionnaire surveys. Each day, participants will plan and carry out data collection projects to gain experience with each method.

## What you'll learn

- Describe methods for collecting primary data.
- Develop an observational rating scale.
- Develop an interview guide.
- Develop effective questionnaire items.
- Identify techniques to increase questionnaire response rates.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Data Collection by Observation

- Understand the purposes and advantages of observational data collection.
- Differentiate between structured and unstructured observation methods.
- Plan and conduct observations systematically to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Minimize observer bias and document observations effectively.

#### Module 2: Data Collection by Interview

- Design and prepare effective interview guides tailored to research objectives.
- Use various interview formats, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured.
- Employ questioning techniques to elicit clear, complete, and unbiased responses.
- Record, summarize, and verify interview data for accuracy.

#### Module 3: Data Collection by Questionnaire

- Distinguish among types of questionnaire items.
- Write effective questionnaire items.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses of data collection by questionnaire.

## Schedule
- Jul 14, 2026 – Jul 16, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 28, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 4, 2026 – Nov 6, 2026 — Live Online

## Instructors

### Clarissa J. Corbin — Instructor

Clarissa J. Corbin is an accomplished corporate trainer, project manager, and business consultant with over 25 years of experience designing and delivering impactful learning experiences. As President and CEO of Projections Training Solutions, she partners with federal agencies, private corporations, and international organizations to provide results-driven training in leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies.

Clarissa has trained more than 10,000 professionals worldwide, serving clients such as the DoD, NASA, FEMA, Microsoft, Citibank, PNC Bank, Del Monte, and Symantec. Her expertise has taken her across the globe, leading initiatives in Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Africa, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and St. Thomas, USVI. Known for her ability to engage diverse audiences and create interactive, high-impact sessions, Clarissa equips participants with practical solutions they can apply immediately.

At Graduate School USA (GSUSA), Clarissa is regarded as one of the most versatile and trusted instructors. She teaches across multiple programs. She played a pivotal role in redesigning the flagship “Managing for Results” course, while also contributing to the development and review of numerous others. Her contributions have earned her two GSUSA Customer Excellence Awards and a two-year appointment to the GSUSA Instructor Advisory Council, underscoring her commitment to innovation, quality, and learner success.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1549