In the Data Collection: Online, Telephone, and Face-to-Face course from the University of Michigan on Coursera, I gained valuable skills in designing and conducting surveys across different formats. This course provided insights into selecting the right data collection method for various research contexts, which has been essential for my work in community-based research. The telephone interview techniques, in particular, were incredibly helpful during the COVID lockdown when face-to-face interactions weren’t possible. I applied these skills to conduct effective telephone interviews, maintaining engagement and gathering reliable data despite the restrictions. This experience underscored the importance of flexibility and adapting research methods to continue gathering insights even in challenging situations, ensuring the continuity of valuable projects focused on social and environmental issues.

More about this course: Data Collection Technique