Which two methods of data collection by the CAT require other data sources for valid conclusions?

In the context of research methods, observations and surveys often rely on complementary data to draw accurate and meaningful conclusions. Observations may capture behaviors or events as they naturally occur, but these observations alone can lead to ambiguity without additional context or data sources. For instance, noticing a trend in behavior might require an understanding of underlying factors, which could be obtained from interviews or pre-existing data.

Surveys, on the other hand, gather quantitative and qualitative data directly from respondents but are influenced by design, question phrasing, and the demographic composition of the respondents. Valid conclusions drawn from survey data often depend on corroborative data from other sources to understand the broader implications or underlying reasons behind the responses.

Using observations and surveys together with additional data enhances the reliability of the conclusions and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the situation being studied. This method underscores the importance of triangulation in research, where multiple methods or data sources are used to validate findings. By supplementing these methods with other data sources, researchers can ensure that their conclusions are robust and well-supported.