SQL321: Fact-Finding Techniques
Fact-finding techniques enable one to collect accurate data when building a database application (Connolly & Begg, 2010). There exist several methods that can be used during a single project. Firstly, questionnaires are applied in data collection to conduct surveys from a large number of people through the use of documents that contain particular questions that the respondents need to answer. One can opt to use closed-ended questionnaires or open-ended questionnaires (Connolly & Begg, 2010). With closed-ended questionnaires, the respondent is given particular choices of answers from which they can make their selection from. In contrast, with open-ended questionnaires, the questions are open in nature such that the respondent can answer openly and honestly from their point of view.
Secondly, interviewing is one of the most commonly used techniques that allow a user to gather as much information as possible (Connolly & Begg, 2010). One can talk face to face with the respondents that make use of the database, collecting their views first hand on whether or not the database is working for them. In this, a user may opt to use structured or unstructured interviews. In unstructured interviews, the interviewer allows the interviewee to provide feedback on what needs to be changed or improved on without having any particular questions for them to answer. On the other hand, structured interviews entail the asking of specific predetermined questions.
Lastly, observation is another technique that can be applied where the user goes into the field of study and makes use of their senses to collect data, recording it for the purpose of improving the database. Here, the user will either watch or participate in activities that involve the use of the system, allowing them to collect information that end-users may not be able to explain clearly (Orcher, 2016). The techniques listed are easy to apply, particularly observation, use of unstructured interviews, and use of open-ended questions when one has no prior knowledge since they can provide an overall review of the database in question. However, why would one need to use fact-finding techniques without any prior knowledge of the implementation or goals? Would that not lengthen the entire process?
References
Connolly, T. M., & Begg, C. E. (2010). Database systems: a practical approach to design, implementation, and management. Pearson Education.
Orcher, L. T. (2016). Conducting a survey: Techniques for a term project. Routledge.
