COVID-19 pandemic and disruption of data collection process in educational research

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has paralysed the Nigerian education system and forced a modification in data collection system in educational research. This paper investigated the impact of this pandemic on disruption of data collection process. A sample of 150 lecturers in public universities in Ogun State, Nigeria was selected through the snowball and convenience sampling techniques. Demographic Data Inventory (DDI) and COVID-19 and Data Collection Questionnaire (CDCQ) were utilised for data collection. Linear regression and Hayes' process model with .05 alpha level were used to analyse the hypotheses. The COVID-19 pandemic was found to significantly disrupt data collection process (β = .31, t = 10.24, p < .05) with income playing a significant moderating role (Coeff = 2.79, t = 4.31, p < .05). Recommendations made included parents, teachers, and significant others should teach students on computer technology and operations and the utilisation of the computer to provide information requested by researchers through online platforms.