Research Tools

Synopsis
Research tools

1.Observatio
n Definition
Purpose/objective of observation
Types of observation
Advantages and disadvantages of observation
2. interview
Definition
Purpose of
interview Types of
interview
Advantages and disadvantages of interview
3. survey
Definition
Purpose of
survey Types of
survey
Advantages and disadvantages of survey
conclusion
Research tools
Research tools are the techniques which is used by the researcher to
construct the theories or build the models of system for formulating
the hypothesis or done experimental work for the verification of
hypothesis.
Research tools include
1.observation
2.inquiry
3.survey
Observation
1. OBSERVATION
Definition
It is the process of gathering information for research, through the
senses: sight, hearing, tastes, touch and smell.
2. Purposes of Observation
1. To enable the researcher to gather empirical data which are difficult
to obtain by other means.
2. To enable the researcher to gather sufficient data to supplement or
verify information gathered by other means.
3. To enable the researcher to gather information or data needed to
describe the aspect of a variable being studied which cannot
described accurately without observation.
4. To enable the researcher to gather directly primary data or first-hand
information for his study for a more accurate description and
interpretation.
5. To enable the researcher to gather data from the laboratory
or elsewhere through experimentation.
3. Types of Observation
1.Participant and Nonparticipant observation
Participant The observer takes active part in the activities of the group
being observed.
Nonparticipant The observer is merely by- stander observing the group
he is studying about.
2. Structured and Unstructured Observation
Structured Concentrate on a particular aspect or aspects of the variable
being observed, be it a thing, behavior, condition or situation.
Unstructured The observer does not hold any list of items to be
observed.
3. Controlled and Uncontrolled Observation
Controlled Usually utilized in experimental studies in which the
experimental as well as the non-experimental variables are controlled
by the researcher.
Uncontrolled Usually utilized in natural settings. No control whatsoever
is placed upon any variable within the observation area.
Advantages of Observation
1. The investigator is able to gather directly, first- hand
information about the subject of his study.
2. The researcher can observe his subjects for as long as he needs
the time and as many times as he can for greater accuracy and
validity in description and interpretation.
3. It is a superior technique of collecting information from non-
verbal behavior and inanimate objects.
4. The subjects of inquiry can be observed in their natural settings
and this will exclude artificiality in description and interpretation.
Disadvantages of Observation
1. There is lack of control upon extraneous variables which may
adversely affect the validity of attributing certain causes upon certain
effects.
2. There is a smaller size of sample if the universe covers a very
wide area and the researcher cannot afford to observe a substantial
area.
3. It is difficult to quantify data for standard tabulation
especially in unstructured observation and when recording is done
in the essay form.
4.It hard to gain entry into the area to be observed.
5. Lack of anonymity makes the observed subjects withdraw or
keep secret some vital but sensitive and controversial information.
 Interview
Definition
. Interview is the verbal conversation between two people with the objective
of collecting relevant information for the purpose of research
objectives of interview.
1. Provide rich hypothesis
2. Reduce the distance between human beings
3. Observe the situation quickly
4. Collect additional information’s
5. Gain new knowledge about an area.
Types of interview
.1.Personal Interview communication is between a face the to face two
way interviewer and the respondents This can be done in many forms e.g.
door to door or as a planned formal executive meeting
2. Telephone interview the information is collected from the respondent
by asking him questions on the phone is called as telephone interview.
Eg.information collected from computer and telephone
4. Depth Interview Depth interview is nondirective in nature where the
respondent is given freedom to answer within the boundaries of the topic of
interest.

advantages of interviews
 they are useful to obtain detailed information about personal feelings,
perceptions and opinions
 they allow more detailed questions to be asked
 they usually achieve a high response rate
 of questions clarified (eg for students with English as a
Second Language)
 interviewees are not influenced by others in the group
disadvantages of interviews

 they can be very time-consuming: setting up, interviewing,

transcribing, analyzing, feedback, reporting
 they can be costly
 different interviewers may understand and transcribe interviews
in different ways.

Survey
Definition
Survey is the method in research which is done by the
researcher by face to face ,mailing and telephone calls for
collection of information for the public interest.

Purpose/objective of survey

1.uncover the answers

2.evoke discussion

3.compare results

Types of survey

1. Questionaries’

2.sampling

Questionaries’

In which the survey is conduct by asking questions to the

people

There are 2 types of questions

1.Close end question

 In such type the survey is conduct by giving response in
only one word simply by saying yes or no in response of
the answer so the respondents has the limitation in the
expression of his answer

Eg.do you like coffee yes/no

2.Open end question

In which the respondents has opportunity to give his

response to more than one word

Eg.what were the reasons of the world war 2

Sampling

a technique in which a subgroup of the population is selected to

answer the survey questions; the information collected can be
generalized to the entire population of interest

eg.to identify the habits of children we only conduct research on one

group of children

Advantages of Surveys

1. High Representativeness.
2. Low Costs
3. Convenient Data Gathering
4. Precise Results
Disadvantages of Surveys

1. Inflexible Design
2. Not Ideal for Controversial Issues
3. Possible Inappropriateness of Questions
 Conclusion
After all of these we conclude that these are the significant tools in research
which is used by all researcher rather they belong to any field they may be the
administrator, teacher even this techniques are also used by the student .they
used these tools of research to increase the worth of their research and these
tools have both significance and weakness.