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Research Data Collection Instruments

This document discusses different types of research instruments used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. It describes quantitative instruments like surveys that collect numerical data through questions. It also describes qualitative instruments like interviews and observations that collect textual data through open-ended questions or direct observation. Specifically, it outlines different types of interviews (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) and observations (structured, unstructured, participant and non-participant) that can be used. The document also discusses the importance of conducting pilot studies to test research methods and instruments on a small scale before full-scale implementation.

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Babra Wendy Joseph
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92 views19 pages

Research Data Collection Instruments

This document discusses different types of research instruments used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. It describes quantitative instruments like surveys that collect numerical data through questions. It also describes qualitative instruments like interviews and observations that collect textual data through open-ended questions or direct observation. Specifically, it outlines different types of interviews (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) and observations (structured, unstructured, participant and non-participant) that can be used. The document also discusses the importance of conducting pilot studies to test research methods and instruments on a small scale before full-scale implementation.

Uploaded by

Babra Wendy Joseph
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DATA COLLECTION

INSTRUMENTS
FATIN, ATHIRAH, BABRA, VIVIAN
WHAT IS AN
'INSTRUMENT?'
A Research Instrument is a tool used to
collect and measure data related to our
research interests
TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS AND
HOW THEY ARE USED
QUANTITATIVE INSTRUMENT
Quantitative research is referred to as the process of collecting as well as
analyzing numerical data. It is generally used to find patterns, averages,
predictions, as well as cause-effect relationships between the variables being
studied.

TYPES OF INSTRUMENT
Survey
SURVEY
To gather data by asking relevant questions to the respondents who are thought to
have the relevant information we are seeking to acquire.
Researchers use a non-disguised approach so that the survey participants know exactly
what they are answering. The respondents are asked basic questions such as their
demographic details, and the topic of interest.
Two kinds of surveys: Cross-sectional Surveys & Longitudinal Surveys
In cross-sectional surveys, the study takes place at a single point in time. Hence, cross-
sectional surveys do not entail the manipulation of the variables under study and are
limited in that way.
Longitudinal surveys, on the other hand, involve studying variables for a long period
of time and observing the changes in them from time to time.
QUALITATIVE INSTRUMENT
A qualitative research method that collects data by asking questions.

TYPE OF INSTRUMENT
Interviews
structured
unstructured
semi-structured interviews.
Observations
INTERVIEWS
Structured interviews - include an ordered list of questions. These questions are
often closed-ended and draw a yes, no or a short answer from the respondents.
Structured interviews are easy to execute but leave little room for spontaneity.
Unstructured interviews - are the opposite of structured interviews. Questions are
mostly open-ended and are not arranged in order. The participants can express
themselves more freely and elaborate on their answers.
Semi-structured interviews - are a blend of structured and unstructured interviews.
They are more organized than unstructured interviews, though not as rigid as
structured interviews.
Equipment used in interviews may include: Audio recorder (face-to-face interview),
Cam recorder & video conferencing tools (online interview)

SOURCE: RESEARCH INSTRUMENT: MEANING & EXAMPLES | STUDYSMARTER HTTPS://WWW.STUDYSMARTER.CO.UK/EXPLANATIONS/MARKETING/MARKETING-INFORMATION-


MANAGEMENT/RESEARCH-INSTRUMENT/
OBSERVATION
Direct observation
When the topic and the objectives are not well defined
Writing down information about a phenomenon or event that is
taking place at that very moment.
After a while of observing - might have a better idea of the research
problem and start writing the topic, research objectives, questions, or
hypothesis of actin or change if you need them.
Begins with the first interaction the researcher has with the
phenomenon to be studied.
Structured Observation
carried out with an observation guide and it is non-participant.
first select the variables or indicators you are about to observe.
take into account the participants, behavior, and environment where it
will take place as well as any physical movements or symbols that are
important to be taken into account.
observation notes must be compared periodically to check their
reliability (Scribano & Zacarias, 2013).
Unstructured observation
no observation guide and can be participant or non-participant.

Participant Observation vs. Non-Participant Observation


(Scribano & Zacarias, 2013)
participant observer = part of the community, feel and live what the target
population goes through
carries the role of a visitor with the only right to observe in their natural behavior
and environment without participating in their activities.
can only take notes of the activities he observes.
Non-participant observer may set up the setting so it is convenient for them to
observe instead of going to the original place where observation is done on the
spot
SOURCE: (PDF) QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS RESEARCH TOOLS
HTTPS://WWW.RESEARCHGATE.NET/PUBLICATION/323014697_QUALITATIVE_AND_QUANTITATIVE_RESEARCH_INSTRUMENTS_RESEARCH_TOOLS
PILOT STUDY
Determine the feasibility of the research design.
This is a preliminary, small-scale “rehearsal” in
which we test the methods planned to use for the
research project. The results is to guide the
methodology of the large-scale investigation.
Pilot studies should be performed for both
qualitative and quantitative studies.
PILOT STUDY
A small-scale test of the methods and procedures to be used on a larger
scale (Porta, Dictionary of Epidemiology, 5th edition, 2008).
Not to test hypotheses about the effects of an intervention, but rather, to
assess the feasibility/acceptability of an approach to be used in a larger scale
study.
You are not answering the question “Does this intervention work?”
Instead you are gathering information to help you answer “Can I do this?”
Feasibility - the state or degree of being easily or conveniently done
Quan = Survey
Qual = Interview
THINGS TO
CONSIDER IN IN
PILOT STUDY
INCLUDE:
Sample size and selection.
Success criteria based on the objectives of your study.
When recruiting subjects or collecting samples ensure that the process is
practical and manageable.
Always test the measurement instrument. This could be a questionnaire,
equipment, or methods used. Is it realistic and workable? How can it be
improved?
Data entry and analysis. Run the trial data through your proposed
statistical analysis to see whether your proposed analysis is appropriate
for your data set.
Create a flow chart of the process.

Source: Piloting for Interviews in Qualitative Research: Operationalization and Lessons Learnt
WHY IS PILOT STUDY NEEDED
IMPORTANCE OF PILOT STUDY
Help define the research question
Test the proposed study design and process. This could alert
us to issues which may negatively affect the project.
Educate ourself on different techniques related to the study.
Determine the feasibility of the study.
ARE PILOT STUDIES
NECESSARY?
Pilot work not only gives you a chance to
determine whether your project is feasible
but also an opportunity to publish its results

A successful pilot study help you to assess your


approach and practice the necessary techniques
required for your project. It will give you an
indication of whether your project will work
REFERENCES
Quantitative research. Voxco. (2022, July 22). Retrieved February 13, 2023, from
https://www.voxco.com/blog/quantitative-
research/#:~:text=Survey%20research%20is%20the%20most,we%20are%20seeking%
20to%20acquire

Research instrument (no date) StudySmarter UK. Available at:


https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/marketing/marketing-information-
management/research-
instrument/#:~:text=Research%20instruments%20in%20quantitative%20research,qu
estionnaires%2C%20telephone%2C%20and%20interviews. (Accessed: February 13,
2023).
THANK YOU

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