Practical Research 1

Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Collecting Data through
Observations and Interviews
Practical Research 1 – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 4: Collecting Data through Observations and Interviews
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

SENIOR HS MODULE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Author
Co-Author – Language Editor
Co-Author – Content Evaluator
Co-Author – Illustrator
Co-Author – Layout Artist
: Debbie S. Labrador
: Karl Angelo R. Tabernero
: Shirley E. Napana
: Debbie S. Labrador
: Debbie S. Labrador

Team Leaders:
School Head : Marijoy B. Mendoza, EdD
LRMDS Coordinator : Karl Angelo R. Tabernero

SDO-BATAAN MANAGEMENT TEAM:

Schools Division Superintendent : Romeo M. Alip, PhD, CESO V
OIC- Asst. Schools Division Superintendent : William Roderick R. Fallorin, CESE
Chief Education Supervisor, CID : Milagros M. Peñaflor, PhD
Education Program Supervisor, LRMDS : Edgar E. Garcia, MITE
Education Program Supervisor, AP/ADM : Romeo M. Layug
Education Program Supervisor, Senior HS : Danilo C. Caysido
Project Development Officer II, LRMDS : Joan T. Briz
Division Librarian II, LRMDS : Rosita P. Serrano

REGIONAL OFFICE 3 MANAGEMENT TEAM:

Regional Director : May B. Eclar, PhD, CESO III
Chief Education Supervisor, CLMD : Librada M. Rubio, PhD
Education Program Supervisor, LRMS : Ma. Editha R. Caparas, EdD
Education Program Supervisor, ADM : Nestor P. Nuesca, EdD

Printed in the Philippines by the Department of Education – Schools Division of Bataan

Office Address: Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan
Telefax: (047) 237-2102
E-mail Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph
Practical Research 1
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Collecting Data through
Observations and Interviews
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of
the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check
your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you
will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

This module is designed to let you know the different data collection
procedures that can be utilized in conducting a research. As a student-
researcher, you need to possess the necessary knowledge and skills in
gathering relevant information for your proposed study.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. collect data through observations and interviews

1
 What I Know

Identify the term being described in the following statements. Choose from
the given options in the box. Write your answers on your notebook.

Interview Observation
Interview Schedule Structured Observation
Topic Guide Unstructured Observation
Group Interview Focus Group
Structured Interview Natural Group
Unstructured Interview Observation Checklist
Semi-structured Interview Observation Guide

1. It is an observation tool that makes use of ratings or numerical rankings.

2. It refers to a conversation that is designed to obtain specific kinds of

information.
3. It is a type of observation which uses a checklist wherein expected
behaviors of interest are already specified.
4. It is a type of observation which allows the researcher to explain events
without preconceived ideas about what will be observed.
5. It is a type of interview wherein the participants belong to a group that
exists independently of the study.
6. It is a type of interview wherein the participants are selected by the
researcher according to specific sampling criteria.
7. It enables the researcher to collect data on natural phenomena or behavior
as it occurs.
8. It is a type of interview being conducted with several respondents
simultaneously.
9. It is a type of interview which follows a particular progression and has a
well-defined content.
10. It is a type of interview which asks specific sets of questions, but also
provides additional probes that are not included in the list of original
questions.

2
 Lesson
Collecting Data through
1 Observations and Interviews

In the previous lesson, you were oriented with the research methodology
which entails the planning of data collection, data gathering instrument, and
analysis procedures. In this module, you will learn about particular data
collection methods being used in research such as observations and
interviews.

What’s In

Match the following tools in Column A with the descriptions in Column B on

how they can be used in gathering and researching information. Write your
answers on your notebook.

A B
1. Pen and Paper a. Used to capture pictures of important
events in the gathering of data

b. Used to collect voice recording of the

subject in an interview
2. Camera
c. Used in researching relevant
information and for encoding the
collected data
3. Laptop
d. Used to present ratings or numerical
rankings
e. Used to make a written record of
4. Recorder
important data and transactions,
usually in events that are continuous
and do not provide ample time to set
5. Video Camera up recording devices

f. Used to take clips of actual events that

serve as sources of information for the
research

3
 Notes to the Teacher
This module prepares the learners to be acquainted with the
use of observations and interviews in research. This will guide them
in performing the data collection procedures that may be utilized
in conducting their respective studies.

What’s New

Observe your surroundings very keenly using all your senses. Describe the
people or things around you by accomplishing “My Observation” column in
the given table below. Write your answers on your notebook.
Observation My Observation Other’s Observation
Using sense of sight

Using sense of hearing

Using sense of smell

Using sense of touch

Using sense of taste

Now, let us see if you have similar observation with others. Kindly ask
somebody from your family members or relatives to do the same task. Then,
record his/her observations under “Other’s Observation” column.

Great! What have you just done will actually help you in conducting your
research. As a student-researcher, you need to possess the skill of gathering
relevant information through the use of appropriate data collection methods
like observations and interviews. You need to devise a way on how to collect,
examine and analyze the variables of interest so that your research problem
can be addressed. Remember that deciding on the data collection procedure
is crucial in determining the validity and reliability of your research findings.

4
 What is It

Data Collection Methods

The most frequently used data collection methods in qualitative research

are observations and interviews. It must be noted that it is very important
for the researcher to decide on the most appropriate method to be utilized
in a particular study, since it may eventually affect the reliability and
validity of research findings.

Interview is a conversation that is intended to obtain specific kinds of

information. It explores the interviewee’s opinions, beliefs, viewpoints,
thoughts, experiences and judgements about something. The researcher,
as the interviewer, needs to ensure that the interviewee expresses
himself/herself clearly during the exchange of ideas. Assuring
confidentiality of the data collected, and setting a natural and
comfortable environment between the interviewer and interviewee are
important considerations in the conduct of an interview.

A group interview is conducted with several respondents simultaneously

– ideally six to ten people, or depending on the researcher’s need for the
study. Group interviews can be classified into two types: (1) Focus group
– participants are selected through purposive sampling in which
exclusion and inclusion criteria are considered to identify the
participants who will best fit in the study (e.g. senior high school students
who are displaced due to pandemic; families which belong to a particular
indigenous group); and (2) Natural group – the participants belong to a
group that exists independently of the study (e.g. all students in a class;
all employees in a company).

An interview schedule is the research instrument often used in this

method. It gives the interview the desired amount of structure and
guarantees that the flow of interview stays on track. On the other hand,
a topic guide is less restrictive in nature which allows the respondents to
engage in a more free and dynamic conversation during a group
interview. Some researchers believe that recording responses by hand
may disrupt the flow and pace of the interview. With this, the data
obtained from an interview may be recorded using a voice recorder or
video camera as long as the consent from the respondent is secured.

5
Types of Interview
1. Structured – the interview follows a particular progression and has
a well-defined content. The researcher does not ask questions that
are not part of the prepared questionnaire.
2. Unstructured – the interview is in the form of normal conversation
or a freewheeling exchange of ideas.
3. Semi-structured – the interview caters a specific set of questions,
but there are also additional probes that may come in the form of
follow-up questions that are not included in the list of original
questions.

Guide in Conducting In-depth Interviews (Prieto, et.al, 2017)

1. Planning Stage
- Identify the target participants in the study.
- Have a listing of the participants to be interviewed.
2. Development of Instrument
- Develop the interview schedule/guide.
- List the questions to be asked during the interview.
- An ideal number of not more than 15 questions may guide you
in the interview. However, further questions may be asked for
in-depth probing of issues which may pop out during the
interview process. Take note that consultation with the experts
must be done to validate the said questions to be used.

Sample Interview Questions

1. Open-ended questions
Please describe your thoughts about Alternative Learning
System (ALS). As an ALS student,
• What activities do you perform inside and outside the
classroom?
• How will you describe your activities inside the classroom?
• How will you describe your activities outside the classroom?
• Describe the quality of modules and other learning materials
you are using.
• Describe the strategies being used by your teachers to help
you succeed in your studies.
2. Probing questions for further clarification
• What else can you say about the program?
• Kindly elaborate the issue on the quality of modules.
• Please tell me more about your experiences.
• Please give examples.
• Please explain further your thoughts.

6
Observation is a method that is used to collect data on natural
phenomena or behavior as it occurs. The researcher and participant/s
must do it in a quiet, inconspicuous, and unobtrusive manner to get
realistic data while considering different dimensions. An observation
checklist is quantitative in nature, and makes use of ratings or numerical
rankings. On the other hand, an observation guide is more qualitative,
and allows for more general and descriptive documentation.

Types of Observation
1. Structured – the researcher uses a checklist wherein expected
behaviors of interest are already specified.
2. Unstructured – the researcher observes things as they happen
without any preconceived ideas about what will be observed.

Sample Observation Checklist on “Identification of Children’s Emotional

and Behavioral Disorders in the Classroom”

Not Apparent
Sometimes
Oftentimes
Behavior

1. irritable and angry

2. stealing things from classmates
3. inattentive
4. sleeping in class
5. bullying others
6. always crying
7. fights with classmates
8. has learning difficulties
9. shows mood of sadness
10. not cooperative in class activities
11. shows physical symptoms of fear
12. always alone
13. unwilling to follow directions
14. violent or aggressive
15. inflicting harm on others
16. refuses to work on assignments
17. impatient and restless
18. shows temper tantrums
19. lying
20. destroying property

7
 What’s More

Accomplish the given observation checklist on dealing with stress during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Observe one of your family members or relatives, and
tick under the column “Yes” if the given behavior is being manifested, and
“No” if it is not. Copy and answer it on your notebook. Be guided with the
rubric on assessing the observation checklist.

Behavior Yes No

1. Feeling anxious or afraid most of the

time
2. Losing appetite or overeating
3. Experiencing sleep problems or having
pandemic-related nightmares
4. Having physical reactions such as
headaches, body pains, stomach
problems, and skin rashes
5. Having difficulty in concentrating or
making decisions
6. Feeling down or frustrated at work or
study
7. Avoiding interaction with other people
8. Worrying about a lot of things
9. Developing or worsening health
problem/s
10. Experiencing panic attacks

Rubric on Assessing the Observation Checklist

Score Criteria
All items in the observation checklist were
10 points
accomplished.
Only six to nine items in the observation checklist
7 points
were accomplished.
Only one to five items in the observation checklist
5 points
were accomplished.

8
 What I Have Learned

Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the two data collection methods
you have learned focusing on their types and definition. Write your answers
on your notebook.

Observation Interview
Data
Collection
Methods

What I Can Do

Interview at least three people about their viewpoints on COVID-19 pandemic.

You may ask your family members, relatives, friends, or classmates to
participate in this activity. Use the interview questions listed below. Then,
copy the given interview template on the following page and accomplish it on
your notebook. Be guided with the rubric on assessing the interview.

Questions:
1. How does COVID-19 pandemic affect your family?
2. How can you protect yourself from COVID-19?
3. What lesson/s have you learned amidst community quarantine?

9
Interview Template

Name of Interviewee 1: __________________________________________________

Answers:
1. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Name of Interviewee 2: _________________________________________________

Answers:
1. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Name of Interviewee 3: _________________________________________________

Answers:
1. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Rubric on Assessing the Interview

Excellent Good Fair

Criteria
(10 points) (7 points) (3 points)
The interviewer The interviewer The interviewer
Number of
had three had two had only one
interviewees
interviewees. interviewees. interviewee.
Only two Only one
All questions
Completeness questions were question was
were answered.
answered. answered.
Answers were Answers were Answers were
Supporting supported with supported with not supported
Information comprehensive satisfactory with sufficient
information. information. information.

10
 Assessment

Read and analyze the following statements about collecting data through
observations and interviews. Write ACCEPT if you think it is true, and
REJECT if it is false. Write your answers on your notebook.

1. The interviewer must be knowledgeable on the subject or topic of concern.

2. Unstructured interviews can be in the form of normal conversations or a

freewheeling exchange of ideas.

3. Researchers conducting group interviews often use topic guides which

resemble interview schedules, but are less restrictive in structure to
allow the respondents a more free and dynamic exchange of ideas.

4. The conduct of questioning in a semi-structured interview follows a

particular progression and has a well-defined content.

5. Participants in natural groups are selected by the researcher according

to specific sampling criteria.

6. Data obtained from an interview may be recorded with the permission of

the respondent.

7. Observations cannot be used in natural or experimental settings.

8. An observation checklist allows for more general and descriptive

documentation.

9. There are different dimensions that should be taken into consideration

when conducting an observation.

10. Unstructured observation is performed by the researcher to explain

events without any preconceived ideas about what will be observed.

11
 Additional Activities

Based on your written research methodology in the previous module, perform

the data collection procedure you intend to use for your study. Copy the given
template and provide the needed information. Accomplish it on your
notebook.

Interview Template
Name of Interviewee: _____________________________________________________
Name of Interviewer: _____________________________________________________
Date and Place of Interview: ______________________________________________
Type of Interview: ________________________________________________________
Research Topic: _________________________________________________________

Question 1: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Question 2: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Question 3: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Question 4: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Question 5: _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

12
Observation Template
Name of Participant: _____________________________________________________
Name of Researcher: _____________________________________________________
Date and Place of Observation: ___________________________________________
Type of Observation: _____________________________________________________
Research Topic: _________________________________________________________

(Present your observation checklist/guide here.)

13
 14
What I Have Learned:
Data
Collection
Methods
They are
frequently
used in
qualitative
research.
Additional Activities:
- Answers may vary.
- Data collection methods should be based on the previous research tasks/ outputs.
- The provided templates for observation and/or interview should be used.
What I Know: What’s In: What’s More:
Assessment:
1. Observation Checklist
2. Interview 1. e. - Answers may
2. a. 1. ACCEPT
3. Structured Observation vary.
3. c. 2. ACCEPT
4. Unstructured 3. ACCEPT
Observation 4. b.
5. f. 4. REJECT
5. Natural Group What I Can Do: 5. ACCEPT
6. Focus Group
6. ACCEPT
7. Observation - Answers may
7. REJECT
8. Group Interview What’s New: vary, but must
9. Structured Interview
8. REJECT
develop the
10. Semi-structured - Answers may 9. ACCEPT
skill on
Interview vary. 10. ACCEPT
collecting data.
Answer Key
References
Chan, Sally W. 2020. "COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire: Development and
Validation of a Questionnaire to Evaluate Students’ Stressors Related to the
Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown." Frontiers in Psychology. October 22.
Accessed February 17, 2021.
https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/576758/fpsyg-11-576758-
HTML/image_m/fpsyg-11-576758-t006.jpg.

Cristobal, Amadeo Jr. P; Cristobal, Maura Consolacion D. 2017. Practical Research

1 for Senior High School. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.

DepEd. 2020. "K to 12 Curriculum Final Most Essential Learning Competencies."

Practical Research 1. Department of Education .

—. 2016. "K to 12 Curriculum Guide." Practical Research 1. Department of

Education.
Prieto, Nelia G.; Naval, Victoria C.; Carey, Teresita G. 2017. Practical Research 1 for
Senior High School. Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines: LORIMAR
Publishing, Inc.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2021. "Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention." www.cdc.gov.usa. January 22.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-
stress-anxiety.html.
World Health Organization. 2020. "Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations
during the COVID-19 Outbreak." March 18. Accessed February 16, 2021.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-
considerations.pdf.

15
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region III,

Schools Division of Bataan - Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resources Management and Development Section (LRMDS)

Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan

Telefax: (047) 237-2102

Email Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph