2/29/2024

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

• What is data collection? • The selection of data collection method should • Instrument or a Tool is described as a device used
• The process by which the researcher collects the be based on the following: to collect the data.
information needed to answer the research – The identified hypothesis or research problem • To facilitate variable observation and
problem. – The research design measurement.
• In collecting the data, the researcher must – The information gathered about the variables • The type of instrument used by the researcher
decide: • The methods of data collection vary according to: depends on the data collection method selected.
– Which data to collect ? – Degree of structure • “Massey states that the “Instrument
– How to collect the data? – Degree of quantifiability development requires a high degree of research
– Who will collect the data? – Degree of obtrusiveness expertise, as the instrument must be reliable and
– When to collect the data? – Degree of objectivity valid.”

Guidelines for Developing an Guidelines for Developing an

Types of Research Instruments
Instrument Instrument
• The instrument must be suitable for its • The instrument should be valid. • 1. Questionnaire
• The content of the instrument must be appropriate to
function. test the hypothesis or answer the question being • 2. Checklist
• The research tool will only be effective only as studied. • 3. Distribution
• The instrument should be reliable.
it relates to its particular purpose. • The devised research tool should provide comparable
• 4. Interview
• The instrument must be based on the data every time the subject uses the instrument. • 5. Observation
theoretical framework. • An instrument should include an item that directly • 6. Records
asks the hypothesis.
• The instrument must be based on the • The research tool should be designed and constructed • 7. Experimental Approach
theoretical framework selected for the study. in such a way that cheating is minimized • 8. Survey Approach

Techniques for Developing

1. Questionnaire
– A series of questions designed to elicit
information, which is filled in by all participants in
the sample.
– This can be gathered either by oral interview or by
written questionnaire.
– This is the most common type of research
instrument.
• Advantages of a Questionnaire
– 1. Relatively simple method of obtaining data.
– 2. Less time is consumed.
– 3. Researcher is able to gather data from a widely
scattered sample.
Questionnaire
• Researcher may read literatures about the topic look
through available questionnaires or obtain help from
experts.
• Open - ended questions are preferable than closed
questions since they reflect respondent’s attitudes,
feelings, which are expressed in his own words.
• If yes - no questions are used; additional information may
be gained by leaving space for respondent’s own idea.
• The possibility of a middle ground statement is also
important.
• Every item in a questionnaire should relate to the topic
under study.
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Criteria of a Good Questionnaire Characteristic of a Good Questionnaire 3. Interview

– 1. Clarity of Language
• It must meet the level of understanding of the respondents
in order to generate needed responses.
– 2. Singleness of Objective
• An item must have one and only one answer
– 3. One-to-One Correspondence
• The questionnaire as a whole must correspond with the
objectives of the study
– 4. Correct Grammar, Spelling, and Construction
• The questionnaire must be constructed observing
grammatically correct sentences, correctly spelled words,
coherence in construction of sentences, etc.
• 1. Well-stated title
• 2.Has statement of purpose
• 3.It assures the respondents about the confidentiality
of responses
• 4.It is designed to achieve the objectives of the study
• 5.It has a clear direction
• 6. There are no double-negative questions
• 7. It avoids double barreled questions
• 8. The design corresponds to an easy tabulation of data
• This involves either structure or unstructured verbal
communication between the researcher and subject, during which
information is obtained for a study.
• Types of Interview
• 1. Unstructured Interviews
– more conversational
– long sometimes (hours) and
– conducted in a usual situation.
– This allows the researcher flexibility in questioning the subject.
• 2. Structured Interviews
– always operates within formal written instrument referred as
interview schedule.
– researcher designed the questions to be asked prior to interview
including the order of the questions.
– The questions are asked orally in either face to face or telephone
format.

4.Observation 5. Records
• Advantages of Interview • Observation most commonly used in qualitative • A record refers to all the numbers and
– 1. Data from interview are usable research.
– 2. Depth of response can be assured statistics that institutions, organizations and
• Types of Observation
– 3. In an exploratory study, the interview technique provides
basis for the formulation of questionnaire • 1. Unstructured observation
people keep as a record of their activities.
– 4. Clarification is possible – a method of collecting research data that has both • Sources
– 5. No items are overlooked opponents and proponents.
– 6. Higher proportion of responses is obtained – 1. Census data
– 7. Greater amount of flexibility is allowed • 2. Structured observation
– preparation of record-keeping forms such as category – 2. Educational records
Disadvantages of Interview
1. Time element systems, checklists and rating scales. – 3. Hospital/clinic records
2. Biases may result – researcher typically has some prior knowledge about
3. Costly the behaviour or event of interest

6. Experimental Approach 7. Survey Approach

• A powerful design for testing hypothesis of • Non-experimental type in which the
causal relationships among variables. researcher investigates a community or a
• Researcher controls the independent variable group of people.
& watches the effect on the dependent • Another name is FORMULATIVE OR
variable. EXPLORATORY research
• Two Groups of Experimental Approach
– 1. Treatment / Experimental group
– 2. Control group