Behavioural researchers have been faced with challenges associated with the choice of data collection methods that is timely and cost-effective for all situations. Several studies have examined various means of collecting data while some electronic means of data collection have been explored. However, there is a need for a study that compares the conventional and contemporary data collection methods in terms of profile, perceptions and prospects. Therefore, this study examined the new breakthroughs and the future of behavioural research data collection in post COVID-19 era. The study is underpinned by connectivism learning theory within ex-post facto design with a sample of one hundred and twenty-six (126) behavioural science researchers. Post COVID-19 Data Collection Methods Scale-Forms App (r=0.86) was used, and the data collected were analysed using frequency count and t-test. The findings showed that there were more users of breakthrough methods 47 (37.3%) than conventional 39 (30.9%) and mixed method 40 (31.7%). Conventional methods were less available than new breakthrough methods. There is a significant difference in the perception, challenges and prospects of the conventional and breakthroughs in behavioural research data collection methods, all in favour of new breakthroughs. It is, therefore, recommended that behavioural researchers, as well as other researchers, avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the new breakthrough to advance their research endeavours in post COVID-19 era.

PurposeUpholding assessment ethics are common concerns during annual public examination performance appraisal. Previous studies have focused more on examination stakeholder: testees outside proctors however, assessment ethics cannot be studied excluding proctors variables therefore, the study investigated consistency of a structural equation modelling of security, environment, professionalism, testing and assessment ethics.Design/methodology/approachEx-post facto design was adopted. Simple random sampling technique was employed to choose 90 proctors drawn from 45 colleges. Proctors Examination Ethics Questionnaire (reliability = 0.86) was used to collect data for the study. Data collected were analysed using path analysis at 0.05 significant levels.FindingsOut of the six hypothesised paths significantly explaining the consistency of the causal model. Test security, environment and professionalism accounted for both direct and indirect effects on assessment ethics. All model fit indices were established to explain testing and assessment model.Research limitations/implicationsFew proctor variables were studied, therefore assessment ethics may not be explained other than through proctor variables considered in this study.Practical implicationsAssessment ethics may not be violated if test security, testing environment and professionalism are not cared for during test administration as shown in the study.Social implicationsIt added to knowledge base in ethical areas of assessment, a 21st-century proctors in upholding testing and assessment ethics, security, environment and professionalism are to be considered.Originality/valueThere was a positive causal effect of security, environment and professionalism on testing and assessment ethics among proctors in public examinations.