Unveiling the Obstacles: Understanding Data Collection Challenges for Researchers in Pakistani Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges researchers face in data collection within Pakistani universities, shedding light on the significant dynamics underlying this phenomenon. Through a qualitative approach employing semi-structured interviews, researchers explored the experiences and perspectives of faculty members and graduate students regarding data collection obstacles. Findings reveal common challenges, including difficulty accessing data sources, ensuring data quality and reliability, mitigating biases, managing logistical constraints, and addressing ethical considerations. Participants also expressed reluctance and resistance towards data collection, leading to incomplete and unreliable data. To address these challenges, recommendations include providing cultural sensitivity training, allocating institutional support, fostering community engagement, offering incentives, adopting flexible methods, prioritizing ethics, and promoting collaboration. The study underscores the significance of overcoming data collection challenges to enhance research integrity, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, foster collaboration, empower researchers, and contribute to methodological literature.