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Tijan2-2024Research Instruments

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34 views9 pages

Tijan2-2024Research Instruments

Uploaded by

Felicien Ndungutse
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Advanced Research Methods

Tijjani Salihu Shinkafi, PhD


Department of Biochemistry
Advanced Research Methods Content
• Prof Ezera
1. The research processes. This gives an overview of process of conducting research from conceptualization stage to
the final stage
2. Theorization and conceptualization in a doctoral study. This section looks at appropriate theories and concepts
that apply to specific disciplines. These inform appropriate methods to use
3. Formulating a research problem
4. Introduction to research paradigms
• Prof Mikail
1. Qualitative and quantitative research designs: Ethnography, Case study, Action Research, Historical/Life histories,
Grounded theory
2. Ethical issues in qualitative research: informed consent, Confidentiality, Ethical clearance, Ethical reporting of
results, Ethical dilemmas
3. Data collection in research surveys, experiments, Focused group discussion, Interviews, Genealogical methods,
social networks Narratives, Conversation, Observations, Documents review, Auto-visual, Discourse analysis
• Dr Tijjani
1. Instrument/tools (guides and checklist
2. Data quality and analysis technique
3. Writing qualitative and quantitative research reports
What is a Research Instrument?
• A Research Instrument is a tool used to collect, measure, and analyze
data related to your research interests. These tools are most
commonly used in sciences, health sciences, social sciences, and
education to assess patients, clients, students, teachers, staff, etc.
• A research instrument can include interviews, tests, surveys, or
checklists. The Research Instrument is usually determined by
researcher and is tied to the study methodology.
Choosing a Research Instrument
• The following list is an example of the steps to complete a research project. Choosing a Research Instrument is done
after conceptualization and the units of analysis have been chosen, and before operationalizing concepts construct
instruments:
• 1. Select a title 9. Formulate the data collection strategy
• 2. Formulate a thesis statement 10. Perform a pilot study
• 3. Choose the types of analyses 11. Collect data
• 4. Research and write a literature review 12. Prepare the data for processing & analysis
• 5. Formulate the research questions 13. Process & analyze data
• 6. Conceptualize a topic, refine thesis 14. Interpret & make inferences about data
• 7. Choose research method and research instrument 15. Write the research paper
• 8. Operationalize concepts construct instruments 16. Publish data
Characteristics of a Good Research
Instrument
• Valid and reliable
• Based on a conceptual framework, or the researcher's understanding
of how the particular variables in the study connect with each other
• Must gather data suitable for and relevant to the research topic ●
• Able to test hypothesis and/or answer proposed research questions
under investigation
• Free of bias and appropriate for the context, culture, and diversity of
the study site
• Contains clear and definite instructions to use the instrument
Types of Research Instruments: Interviews
• Interviews or the interaction where verbal questions are posed by an
interviewer to elicit verbal responses from an interviewee.
• Structured Interview: A formal set of questions posed to each interviewee
and recorded using a standardized procedure.
• Unstructured Interview: A less formal set of questions; the interviewer
modifies the sequence and wording of questions.
• Non-Directive Interview: An unguided interview, including open-ended
questions and use of spontaneous engagement
• Focus Interview: An emphasis on the interviewees subjective and personal
responses where the interviewer engages to elicit more information. Focus
Group Interview: A group of selected participants are asked about their
opinion or perceptions concerning a particular topic.
Types of Research Instruments: Observations
• Observation (watching what people do) is a type of correlational (non-
experimental) method where researchers observe ongoing behavior.
• Structured Observations: Research conducted at a specific place, time,
where participants are observed in a standardized procedure. Rather than
writing a detailed description of all behaviors observed, researchers code
observed behaviors according to a preveiously agreed upon scale.
• Naturalistic Observation: The study the spontaneous behavior of
participants in natural surroundings. The researcher simply records what
they see in whatever way they see it.
• Participant Observation: A variation on natural observations where the
researcher joins in and becomes part of the group they are studying to get
a deeper insight into their lives.
Types of Research Instruments: Surveys
• Survey research encompasses any measurement procedures that
involve asking questions of respondents. The types of surveys can
vary on the span of time used to conduct the study. They can be
comprised of cross-sectional surveys and/or longitudinal surveys.
Types of questions asked in surveys include:
• Free-Answer: Also referred to as open-ended questions, these
include unrestricted, essay, or unguided questions.
• Guided Response Type: Recall-type questions asking the participant
to recall a set of categories. Multiple-choice or multiple response
questions.

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