Mekelle University

Collage of health science

Department of Epidemiology
Development of Research Tool

Group Assignment By Gebrejewegis Welday

Tsehaye Dimtsu
1 Introduction
Research Tools are defined as vehicles that broadly facilitate research and related activities. Research
tools are methods, resources, software, or techniques that researchers use to collect, organize, analyze,
visualize, interpret, research publicized, and communicate information during the research process(1).
Selecting and developing tools for research is an important step in the research process, because the
information a researcher needs to collect will be gathered, analyzed and visualized some standardized or
structured tool of research. Without high quality of data collection, analyzing, visualizing tools the results
accuracy and strength of our research conclusion will be challenged.

2 Objective
Discuss all types of research development tools
Discuss applications of various data collection techniques
Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of research tools
Discuss uses of various types of data collection tools
We will see how to choose the right research tools

3 Type of research tool development

There are several types of research tools use a protocol for recording observational data. Researchers
often engage in multiple observations during a qualitative study and use an observational protocol for
recording information while observing. This may be a single page with a dividing line down the middle to
separate descriptive notes (portraits of the participants, a reconstruction of dialogue, a description of the
physical setting, accounts of events, or activities) from reflective notes (the researcher’s personal
thoughts, such as “speculation, feelings, problems, ideas, hunches, impressions, and prejudices” Bogdan
& Biklen, 1992, p. 121). Also written on this form might be demographic information about the time,
place, and date of the field setting where the observation takes place.

3.1 Data collection tools

Data collection tool is the instrument that is used to collect data using checklist, interview and questioner.
Data preparation and collecting include compiling information from multiple sources and
arranging it in a readily studied fashion. This could entail obtaining data from web sources or
gathering data from databases, spreadsheets, or survey result.(2)
Data collection is the process of systematic gathering, measuring and analyzing accurate data from a
variety of relevant sources to find answers for research problems, questions and to test hypothesis. It is
an important part of research because the result of research study is dependent on the data collected.
Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or
computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and
Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.

A researcher needs many data gathering tools or techniques. Data can be collected by different tools
through questionnaires, Interviews, Observation Techniques and Rating Scales. Let us see some common
types of data collection methods.

Questioner
Questionnaires are tools for gathering information about a group of individuals, typically by
asking them predefined questions and it is a systematic compilation of questions that are submitted to
a sampling of population from which information is desired. It can be used to collect qualitative and
quantitative data and be administered in various ways, including online, over the phone, in
person (offline), or by mail(3).
Types of questions asked include:
Open ended questions These include unrestricted, essay, or unguided questions.
Closed type questions Recall-type questions asking the participant to recall a set of categories.
Multiple-choice or multiple response questions(4).

 Advantage : The main advantage is that it allows researchers to reach many participants
quickly and cost-effectively, making them ideal for large-scale studies. The structured
format of questions makes analysis easier
 Disadvantages: And the drawback this tool is not capturing complex or deep information
as participants are limited to predefined response choices. Also, there can be issues with
response bias, where participants might provide socially desirable answers rather than
honest ones.

Interviews
Interviews or the interaction where verbal questions are posed by an interviewer to elicit verbal responses
from an interviewee(4). It involves a one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the participant.
The interviewer asks open-ended questions to gain detailed information about the participant’s thoughts,
feelings, experiences, and behaviors.
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.
Interview: An emphasis on the interviewees subjective and personal responses where the interviewer
engages to elicit more information.
Group Interview: A group of selected participants are asked about their opinion or perceptions
concerning a particular topic.
 Advantages: They allow for an in-depth understanding of the topic at hand. The researcher can
adapt the questioning in real time based on the participant’s responses, allowing for more
flexibility.
 Disadvantages: It is time-consuming and resource-intensive, as they require trained interviewers
and a significant amount of time for both conducting and analyzing responses. They may also
introduce interviewer bias if not conducted carefully, due to how an interviewer presents
questions and perceives the respondent, and how the respondent perceives the interviewer.

Observations
Observations is a type of non-experimental method that involves directly observing what people
do and recording behavior or other phenomena as they occur in their natural settings(3)(4).
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 previously agreed upon scale.
Naturalistic Observation
The study of 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.
 Advantages: Observations can provide valuable contextual information, as researchers can study
behavior in the environment where it naturally occurs, reducing the risk of artificiality associated
with laboratory settings or self-reported measures.
 Disadvantages: Observational studies may suffer from observer bias, where the observer’s
expectations or biases could influence their interpretation of the data. Also, some behaviors might
be altered if subjects are aware they are being observed.(4)

Focus Groups
Focus groups are guided discussions among selected individuals to gain information about their
views and experiences.

 Advantages: Focus groups allow for interaction among participants, which can generate
a diverse range of opinions and ideas. They are good for exploring new topics where
there is little pre-existing knowledge.
 Disadvantages: Dominant voices in the group can sway the discussion, potentially
silencing less assertive participants. They also require skilled facilitators to moderate the
discussion effectively.
3.2 Data analysis tool
Several types of data analysis tools are available, including spreadsheet, statistical,
data visualization, and machine learning software.(2)
Benefits of data analysis tool
There are several benefits to using data analysis tools, including the ability to
quickly and easily process large amounts of data, identify trends, patterns, and
relationships in the data, and make informed decisions based on the data.
The data analysis tool you choose will depend on your specific needs and the type
of data you are working with. Whether you are using spreadsheet software,
statistical software, data visualization software, or machine learning software, it’s
essential to choose the right tool for the job and have a clear understanding of its
capabilities and limitations.

Spread sheet software

Among the most often used data analysis tools are Google Sheets and Excel. In
addition to pivot tables that may be used to rapidly summarize and analyze vast
volumes of data, both tools offer a variety of functions and formulas for data
analysis (2).
One of the most popular tools for data analysis is spreadsheet software, such
Google Sheets and Excel. In addition to pivot tables, which are useful for rapidly
summarizing and analyzing vast volumes of data, spreadsheet software offers a
variety of functions and formulas for data analysis.(2)
Features:
Basic data analysis functions and formulas
Pivot tables for summarizing and analyzing large amounts of data
Ability to create charts and graphs to visualize data
Data sorting and filtering capabilities
Benefits:
User-friendly interface and easy to learn
Affordable and widely available
Flexible and customizable
Ability to handle large amounts of data
Top Tools:
Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Statistical Software tools
Statistical software is specifically designed for data analysis and provides a range of
tools and techniques for analyzing data, including descriptive statistics, inferential
statistics, and predictive modeling.
 IBM SPSS
 R
 SAS
 Stata
 Benefits:
 Ability to perform complex statistical analysis
 Access to a wide range of techniques and algorithms
 Designed specifically for data analysis
 Ability to handle large amounts of data
Use Cases:
Predictive modeling
Market research and surveys
Scientific research
Business and financial analysis

Data Visualization Software tools

Data visualization software provides various tools and techniques for creating visual
representations of data, including bar charts, line charts, histograms, and scatter plots.
 Power BI
 Arc GIS and QGIS
Features:
Ability to create a wide range of visualizations, including bar charts, line charts, histograms, and
scatter plots
Advanced data mapping and geospatial analysis capabilities
Integration with other data analysis tools
Dynamic and interactive visualizations
Advantage:
 Ability to effectively communicate data insights
 Improved data exploration and discovery
 Ability to handle large amounts of data
 Customizable and flexible visualizations
Use Cases:
Marketing and sales analysis
Business intelligence and reporting
Customer behavior analysis
Geospatial analysis

3.3 Literature Review Tools

3.4

4 how to choose research tools

There are different research tools available to support various types of research, the choice of research
tools depends on the research objectives, methods, and requirements of the study. However, there are
some essential research tools commonly used across disciplines
Tools may vary in complexity, interpretation, design and administration. Each tool is suitable for the
collection of certain type of information. One has to select from the available tools those which will
provide data he seeks for testing hypothesis. It may happen that existing research tools do not suit the
purpose in some situation, so researcher should modify them or construct his own.(5)

In general, Selecting the right data collection method should be a conscious process, considering
the specific requirements of our research. The method selected should align with our goals,
available resources, and the nature of the data we need to collect. If we aim to collect
quantitative data, surveys, questionnaires, and forms can be excellent tools, particularly for large-
scale studies. These methods are suited to providing structured responses that can be analyzed
statistically, delivering solid numerical data. However, if we want to know a deeper
understanding of a subject, qualitative data might be more suitable. In such cases, interviews,
observations, and focus groups can provide richer, and more insights. These methods allow us to
explore experiences, opinions, and behaviors deeply. Some surveys can also include open-ended
questions that provide qualitative data. The cost of data collection is also an important
consideration. If we have an insufficient budget, in-depth conversations with every member of
our target population may not be possible to make in-person conversations. In such cases,
distributing questionnaires or forms can be a cost-saving approach(3).
References
1. Ale Ebrahim N. Introduction to the “Research Tools” for Research Methodology course. 2016.

2. Gomes J. What Is Data Analysis? Methods, Tools, and Best Practices | Layer Blog [Internet]. [cited
2024 Nov 7]. Available from: https://golayer.io/blog/business/data-analysis-methods-process-types-
tools/

3. SurveyCTO [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 6]. A Guide to Data Collection: Methods, Process, and Tools.
Available from: https://www.surveycto.com/resources/guides/data-collection-methods-guide/

4. Published_Study-Material-Examples.pdf [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from:

https://www.tc.columbia.edu/media/administration/institutional-review-board-/guide-amp-resources---
documents/Published_Study-Material-Examples.pdf

5. Pandey DMM. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES Dr. Prabhat Pandey.