Unit 1 Lesson 2

Designing Qualitative Data

Gathering Instruments
Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Senior High School
LEARNING OUTCOME

At the end of this lesson, the learner:

• collects data through observation and interviews

• constructs an instrument and establishes its validity
and reliability.
VALUES INTEGRATION

COMPETENCE
CHARACTER
Qualitative Research
Instrument
A qualitative research instrument refers to the tools
or methods used by researchers to collect data in
qualitative research studies. Qualitative research is
an approach that focuses on understanding and
interpreting the meanings, experiences, and
perspectives of individuals or groups.
 Questionnaire
• A paper containing a list of questions including the
specific place and space in the paper where you write
the answers to the questions.
• This prepared set of questions elicits factual or
opinionated answers from the respondents through
writing on a line provided for any opinionated
answer. (Babbie 2013)
(Babbie, 2013)
STRENGTHS:
• It is less expensive.

• It entails an easy distribution to respondents.

• It offers more opportunity for the respondents to

ponder on their responses.
WEAKNESSES
• It is limited to a population that can read and write.

• It is notorious for low response rate.

• It does not allow clarification, in case of issues or

misunderstanding.
How to Craft Open - Ended Questions?
 1. Clear and Concise Language:
• Use simple and clear language to ensure
participants understand the questions without
confusion. Avoid technical jargon or complex
terminologies.
 2. One Idea per Question:
• Keep each question focused on a single idea or
topic to prevent participants from becoming
overwhelmed or going off-track in their
responses.
 3. Avoid Leading Questions:
• Avoid phrasing questions in a way that suggests
a particular answer or biases participants'
responses. Keep questions neutral and
objective. For example, “Don't you agree
that our new product is much better than
our competitor's outdated offering?"
 4. Open-Ended Structure:
• Use question formats that allow for diverse
responses, such as "How," "What," "Why," or
"Tell me about." These formats avoid simple
yes/no answers and encourage participants to
express themselves fully.
 5. Contextual and Relevant:
• Ensure questions are relevant to the research
objectives and the participants' experiences.
Tailor the questions to the interviewee's
background and role, if applicable.
 6. Sensitive Topics and Probing:
• If you're dealing with sensitive topics, phrase
questions with care and offer support
mechanisms for participants. Be prepared to
probe deeper with follow-up questions to gain a
comprehensive understanding of their
perspectives.
 7. Encourage Elaboration:
• Frame questions in a way that prompts
participants to elaborate on their experiences,
thoughts, or feelings.
INTERVIEW
• An interview is generally a qualitative research
technique which involves asking open-ended
questions to converse with respondents and collect
elicit data about a subject.
 Structured Interviews
Semi-Structured Interviews
Unstructured Interview
Structured Interviews

• Research tools that are extremely rigid in their

operations allow very little or no scope of prompting
the participants to obtain and analyze results. It is
thus also known as a standardized interview and is
significantly objective in its approach
Unstructured Interview
• Unstructured interviews, also known as in-depth
interviews, are essentially purposeful conversations
designed to collect data for research studies. Unlike
structured interviews, they involve a minimal number
of questions and lean towards natural conversations
while focusing on a specific subject. The primary aim
is to gather comprehensive insights and information
related to the research topic.
Semi - Structured Interview
• Semi-structured interviews involve a series of open-
ended questions based on the topic areas the
researcher wants to cover. It provides opportunities
for both interviewer and interviewee to discuss some
topics in more detail. The interviewer also has the
freedom to probe the interviewee to elaborate on the
original response or to follow a line of inquiry
introduced by the interviewee.
Introductory Questions
Main Questions
Probing Questions
Closing Questions
Guidelines in Conducting an
Interview
 Ensuring interview questions align with
research questions

Focuses on the alignment between research

questions and actual interview questions. This
alignment can increase the utility of interview
questions in the research process, while ensuring
their necessity for the study
 Drafting a Script

A researcher may also draft a script as part of the

interview protocol. A script is a written text that
guides the interviewer during the interview and
supports the aim of a natural conversational style.
 Getting to Know Each Other
The interview begins with a friendly exchange
when you and the respondents meet at the
interview location. Show appreciation and respect
for the chosen venue, ensuring both parties feel
comfortable and relaxed. Clarify the expected
duration of the question-and-answer activity.
 Explaining the Research
Inform the respondents about the interview's
purpose, importance, and scope. This helps them
anticipate the questions they'll face and prepares
them to provide appropriate answers. Emphasize
the confidential treatment of their responses and
stress that the interview aims to understand their
unique perspectives on the topic.
 Starting the Interview
Begin with self-introduction questions to
encourage the respondents to talk about
themselves, including age, family, and current
activities. Proceed to inquire about their thoughts,
attitudes, or job performance. Their responses not
only offer insights into their interviewing style but
also help tailor effective questions for gathering
relevant research data.
 Conducting the Interview Proper
• Ask open-ended questions related to the research
theme or research questions. Encourage the
interviewee to elaborate and provide substantial
responses. Ensure questions align with the main
study focus, are appropriately phrased, and allow
sufficient time for answers.
 Ending the Interview
Signal the interview's conclusion to the respondent,
indicating that the last question is forthcoming.
This alerts them to wrap up their thoughts. Also,
address any remaining doubts or questions the
respondent may have about the research design or
interview process.
 OBSERVATION
The process of gathering data by closely watching and
examining subjects or phenomena of interest. It is one
of the primary data collection methods used by
researchers to study and understand various aspects of
the world, including human behavior, natural
phenomena, and social interactions.
 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
• A focus group discussion is a free-flowing and
interactive session involving a small group of six to
ten participants led by a skilled facilitator or
researcher. Its purpose is to generate ideas and
opinions on a specific issue or topic, gathering
primary data from participants. This approach allows
for repeated, personal interactions with the
participants, fostering a deeper understanding of
their perspectives.
Guidelines in Constructing a Qualitative
Instrument
 Define research objectives:

• Clearly state the purpose and goals of your

qualitative research to guide instrument
construction.
 Choose the right method:

• Select an appropriate qualitative method, such as

interviews or focus group discussions, aligning
with research objectives.
 Begin with open-ended questions:

• Use broad, open-ended questions to encourage

participants to freely express their thoughts and
experiences.
 Ensure question clarity:

• Use clear and simple language, avoiding

technical terms, and provide explanations for key
concepts if needed.
 Organize logically

• Structure questions in a coherent order, starting

with warm-up questions and progressing to more
complex topics.
 Consider ethical considerations:

• Be respectful and sensitive to participants'

backgrounds, avoiding intrusive or offensive
questions.
 Pilot test the instrument:

• Conduct a pilot test with a small group to identify

and address any issues before using it with the
target participants.