MODULE 4

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL

PURPOSES
Second Quarter, First Semester
Preparing Research
Instruments
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Definition

• It is a tool used to gather data on a specific topic of

interest.
• When conducting a research, you need to prepare and
implement the appropriate instrument to gather the data
you need.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Definition

• When preparing an instrument, you must ensure that it

is valid and reliable.
• An instrument is valid when it directly answers or
addresses your research questions.
• It is reliable when it provides you consistent and stable
data over a period of time.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Guidelines
1. Do a preliminary research by visiting your library or checking online
sources.
2. Ask for advice from a person who is knowledgeable in preparing research
instruments.
3. Master the guidelines in preparing and administering each type of
instrument.
4. Clarify your research questions. Be sure that your instruments will
directly address your specific research questions.
5. Based on the data you need, decide on the number and demographics of
the people whom you want as respondents or participants.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Guidelines
6. Use the appropriate format for your instrument. Get
model instruments, if necessary. You may visit Google
Scholar to get samples of your intended instrument.
7. Edit your instrument.
8. Pilot your instrument to further improve its quality.
After receiving the feedback from your pilot, make
the necessary revisions.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Types
I. Survey
A. Interview
B. Questionnaire
II. Observation
III.Experiment
 SURVEY
Definition
• A survey contains prepared questions which are used
to measure attitudes, perceptions, and opinions.
• It contains responses directly related to each specific
research question.
• It can be in the form of an interview or a
questionnaire.
 SURVEY
Types of Question
• The recall type of question asks for specific information such
as years of service, age, and address.
• The recognition type of question asks for a response to a
specific question where options are given such as in the case
of multiple choice, dichotomous (yes/no), and rating scale
format.
• The open-ended type of question elicits brief explanations or
impressions from the respondent.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Types
I. Survey
A. Interview
B. Questionnaire
II. Observation
III.Experiment
 INTERVIEW
Definition

• It is an instrument that allows the researcher to

qualitatively gather data.
• Questions during an interview are usually open-
ended.
 INTERVIEW
Definition
• When conducting an interview, make sure to adjust
your language for easy comprehension and to make
the length of your interview reasonable to avoid
boredom and annoyance on the part of the
interviewee.
• Should you need to record the interview for
transcription of data, inform and get the approval of
your interviewee.
 INTERVIEW
Stages
1. Pre-Interview Stage
• It is when the interviewer arranges his/her
questions logically and prepares an Interview
guide to smoothen the flow of the actual interview.
• This is also the stage when the interviewer
identifies and contacts the interviewee.
 INTERVIEW
Stages
2. Warm-Up Stage
• It is the initial part of the interview when the
interviewer makes his/her introductions, states the
purpose of the interview, and assures the interviewee
that he/she will handle any information shared with
utmost confidentiality.
• The interviewer also asks questions that will make the
interviewee more at ease, such as "How was your
day?".
 INTERVIEW
Stages
3. Main Interview Stage
• It is when the interviewer asks the main questions
directly related to his/her research questions.
 INTERVIEW
Stages
4. Closing Stage
• It is when the interviewer asks questions meant to
wind down the interview.
• He/She also acknowledges and thanks the
interviewee.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Types
I. Survey
A. Interview
B. Questionnaire
II. Observation
III.Experiment
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Definition
• Compared with the interview, a questionnaire is more
quantifiable.
• It contains written questions that ask for specific
information.
• Responses in a questionnaire are usually dichotomous and
use an identification type of test.
• In some cases, open-ended questions are incorporated in
the questionnaire.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Parts
1. Personal Information Section
• It includes the name (optional), age, date of birth,
address, educational background, and other
personal information of the respondent.
• Note that only personal information relevant to the
research study should be asked.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Parts
2. Main Questions Section
• It contains questions that are directly related to your
research.
• It is ideal to have multiple questions for each specific
research question.
• The greater the number of questions, the greater the
possibility of more conclusive results.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Parts
3. Open-Ended Questions Section
• It requires a brief explanation or response to an
open- ended question.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Guidelines
1. Introduce the questionnaire through a cover letter. The
cover letter should explain the purpose and relevance of
the study, the length of time in completing the
questionnaire, how the data will be processed, your
contact details, and the expected date and time for
completing the questionnaire.
2. Keep the questionnaire as short as possible by focusing
only on the essential questions.
3. Ensure confidentiality of information.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Guidelines
4. Pilot the questionnaire to ensure that you have not missed
any important question.
5. Use a follow-up reminder.
6. Give respondents sufficient time to answer the
questionnaire.
7. Make all directions and questions clear and unequivocal;
do not use complex questions and words with double
meanings.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Guidelines
8. Ensure that your grammar is correct.
9. Use questions that will elicit objective responses as much
as possible.
10. Arrange and categorize the questions logically (e.g., based
on research questions).
11. Relate all questions to your research topic and make sure
the responses drawn out are sufficient for your analysis.
 QUESTIONNAIRE
Guidelines
12. Try to make as many questions as possible. However,
avoid being redundant and make sure that all your
questions are relevant.
13. Avoid embarrassing and unnecessary questions.
14. Explain and illustrate difficult questions.
15. State all questions affirmatively.
16. Make the respondents anonymous, if necessary.
17. Avoid biased and leading questions.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Types
I. Survey
A. Interview
B. Questionnaire
II. Observation
III.Experiment
 OBSERVATION
Definition
• Observation allows the description of behavior in a naturalistic or
laboratory setting.
• Usually, this instrument is used to cross-validate the results of
other instruments.
• An observation is most useful when the answers to research
questions require description of behavior and setting and when
the respondents cannot literally answer interview questions and
questionnaires for valid reasons such as the inability to speak and
write (e.g., infants).
 OBSERVATION
Types
1. Participant and Non-Participant Observation
• A non-participant type of observation allows the researcher to
observe the subjects without interacting with them. Hence, the subjects
do not know that they are being observed. This is usually employed by
psychologists when observing animals and children.
• A participant observation, on the other hand, allows the researcher to
interact actively with the subjects. In some cases, researchers immerse
themselves in a group or community for a long period of time.
 OBSERVATION
Types
2. Structured and Unstructured Observation
• Structured observation occurs when the researcher has a
list of behaviors that he/she wants to observe.
• Unstructured observation, on the other hand, occurs
when the researcher allows behaviors to emerge naturally.
These behaviors are then documented through an in-depth
narrative account.
 OBSERVATION
Types
3. Covert and Overt Observation
• Covert observation occurs when the subjects are
not aware that they are being observed.
• Overt observation occurs when the subjects are
aware that they are being observed.
 OBSERVATION
Guidelines
1. Develop an observation guide or checklist which
identifies the phenomenon you want to understand.
2. Decide on the type of observation that you will use.
3. Know your limitations as an observer.
4. Use a recording device when appropriate.
 OBSERVATION
Guidelines
5. Always bring paper and pen with you to record other
details which cannot be recorded by a video or audio
recorder.
6. Never attempt to influence the behavior of your
subjects.
7. Always observe ethics when implementing an
observation instrument.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Types
I. Survey
A. Interview
B. Questionnaire
II. Observation
III.Experiment
 EXPERIMENT
Definition
• An experiment is a procedure undertaken scientifically
and systematically to make a discovery and to test
hypothesis.
 EXPERIMENT
Steps
1. Make observations.
2. Develop the hypothesis.
3. Design the experiment.
4. Conduct the experiment.
5. Replicate the experiment to ensure the reliability
of the results.
6. Analyze the results.
7. Decide on whether to accept or reject the
hypothesis based on the results.
 EXPERIMENT
Guidelines
1. Always coordinate with a laboratory technician or
supervisor when doing an experiment.
2. Make yourself present and accessible during an
experiment.
3. Maintain a relaxed and professional atmosphere.
4. Clean the experiment venue (e.g., laboratory) as you
leave.
5. Never coerce any participants in your experiment.
 EXPERIMENT
Guidelines
6. If you need participants in your experiment, let them fill
out an informed consent form (ICF) beforehand. It is a
document proving that the participant voluntarily and
willingly participated in the experiment.
7. Ensure the safety of everyone involved at all times.
8. Ensure the anonymity of participants.
9. Ensure the confidentiality of all gathered data.
 Checkpoint 1: Instrumentalize

Write English for Academic Purposes if the

statement is correct and English for Professional
Purposes if it is otherwise.
 Checkpoint 1: Instrumentalize
1. When conducting an experiment, always ensure the
confidentiality of participants.
2. One of the advantages of using a questionnaire is that it has
the lowest response rate.
3. Open-ended questions aim to get specific information such
as the age and address of the participant.
4. The Intelligence Consent Form (ICF) must be filled out by
the participants before the experiment.
5. Subjects know they are being observed during a covert
observation.
 Checkpoint 1: Instrumentalize
6. An experiment cannot be replicated.
7. The warm-up stage is when interviewees are asked to take
basic physical exercises to prepare them for the interview.
8. Leading questions must be asked because they guide the
participants into giving a specific answer for the research.
9. All research instruments have advantages and
disadvantages.
10. A research instrument is used to analyze data.
Designing, Testing, and
Revising Survey
Questionnaires
 Questionnaires
Definition

• A questionnaire is a structured series of questions

designed to collect primary data from respondents.
• A well-designed questionnaire motivates respondents to
provide accurate and complete information which is very
helpful in attaining the survey’s objective.
 Questionnaires
How to Design One?

1. Determine the research problem or the target

information.
2. Choose the type of questions and method of
administration (written, email, telephone interview,
personal interview).
3. Determine the general question content needed to obtain
the desired information.
 Questionnaires
How to Design One?

4. Determine the form of responses.

5. Choose the exact question wording.
6. Make sure that the sequence of the questions is
effective.
7. Test the questionnaire and revise if needed.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

1. Write short and simple questions.

• Respondents are often unwilling to study an item in
order to understand it.
• Assume that respondents will answer the
questionnaire quickly.
• Therefore, provide clear, short items that will not be
misinterpreted.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Example:
Given the current trend of more hits, more home runs,
longer games in general, and more injuries in baseball today, do
you think that steroid use should continue to be banned even
though it is not enforced?

Steroid use has both positive and negative effects

on baseball. Do you think that steroid use should
be banned?"
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

2. Avoid leading questions.

• Wording that influences respondents to consider a
subject in a weighted manner, or injects a preference
or opinion.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Examples:
Do you hate the president of the Philippines?

Who do you think of when you hear COVID -19?

a. China b. Pres. Duterte c. Chinese d. Lockdown

What makes our product better than our

competitors’ products?
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
3. Appropriately Open-Ended and Closed-Ended Questions.
• Use open-ended questions when responses need to
be elaborated by the respondents for exhaustive and
comprehensive data gathering. They’re more suited
to exploratory research that looks to describe a
subject based on trends and patterns.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
3. Appropriately Open-Ended and Closed-Ended Questions.
• Closed-Ended questions are popular because they provide
greater uniformity or responses and are easily processed
compared to open-ended questions. However, closed-
ended questions the response categories should be
exhaustive and mutually exclusive. In other words, all
possible options should be provided.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Examples:
Why do you play sports?
1. Enjoyment 2. Health 3. Peer Pressure
4. Others, please specify:
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

4. Questions must be non-threatening and attempt to

evoke the truth.

Example:
Who do you think consume more cigarettes: you or
your friends?
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

5. Question Clarity
• Avoid ambiguities and vague words (e.g. usual, regular,
normal)
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Example:
What is your number of serving of eggs in a typical day?

On days you eat eggs, how many eggs do you

usually consume?
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

6. Don’t use double-barrelled questions.

• Ask one question at a time. Avoid asking 2
questions, imposing unwarranted assumptions, or
hidden contingencies. Whenever you use ‘and’ on
a question or a statement, check if it is double-
barrelled.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Example:
Do you find the classes you took during your first semester
in SHS more demanding and interesting than your JHS classes?
 Yes
 No
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

7. Clearly define the response scale dimension or

continuum.
• When using a response scale, clearly define the
dimension or continuum respondents are to use in
their rating task.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Examples:
DO a Bipolar or Unipolar rating scale:
Bipolar measures both direction and intensity of an attitude.
Unipolar scale measures one concept with varying degrees of
intensity.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording

8. Minimize presuppositions
• It an assumption about the world whose truth is
taken for granted. Answering a question implies
accepting its presuppositions, a respondent may
be led to provide an answer even if its
presuppositions are false.
 Questionnaires
Basic Question Wording
Example:
Are you a DDS or a Dilawan?
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

1. Open-Ended
Best Used for:
• Breaking the ice in an interview
• When respondent’s own words are important
• When the researcher does not know all the
possible answers
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

Example:
What changes do you recommend for the school to do in order
to help students perform better?
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

2. Closed-Ended
Best Used for:
• Collecting rank ordered data
• When all response choices are known
• When quantitative statistical tool results are
desired
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

Example:
In which of the following do you live?
o A house
o An apartment
o A condo unit
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

2. Closed-Ended : Likert-Scale
Best Used for:
• Assessing a person’s opinion and feelings about
something
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

Example:
Always Sometimes Never
I drink coffee.
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

2. Closed-Ended : Multiple Choice

Best Used for:
• When there are finite number of options
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

Example:
In which of the following do you live?
o A house
o An apartment
o A condo unit
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

2. Closed-Ended : Rating Scales

Best Used for:
• Rate things in relation to other things
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

Example:
Poor Good VG
Cleanliness
Service
Food Quality
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

2. Closed-Ended : Ranking Questions

Best Used for:
• Ordering answer choices by way of preference.
This allows you to not only understand how
respondents feel about each answer option, but it
also helps you understand each one’s relative
popularity.
 Questionnaires
Types of Questions

Example:
Rank the following (1 being the highest and 4 as the lowest):
 Greek Diner
 Japanese Bistro
 Chinese Checkers
 Italian Kitchen
 Questionnaires
Ordering of Questions
1. Adapt a general organizational pattern that
complements a survey’s research objectives.
Two general patterns:
• Funnel pattern – begins with broad questions
followed by progressively narrower or more
specific ones
• Inverted pattern – narrowly focused questions are
followed by more general ones.
 Questionnaires
Ordering of Questions

2. Topically related questions should be grouped together.

A researcher should group together questions pertinent to
a single topic then move to another topic. It is easier for the
answer questions this way.
 Questionnaires
Ordering of Questions
3. Easy-to-answer questions should be placed first.
Easy questions serve as motivation.

4. Questions should be ordered to avoid establishing

a response bias.
• Response Bias is a tendency of a respondent to
answer all closed-questions the same way
regardless of content.
 Questionnaires
How to Test One?
• You need to check if the questionnaire fits the
respondents and your target information.
• No matter how carefully you design a questionnaire,
there is always the POSSIBILITY of error.
• You are always certain to make some mistake. The
surest protection against such error is to PRE-TEST
the questionnaire in full or in part.
 Questionnaires
How to Test One?

1. Find 5 to 10 people from your target group

2. Ask them to complete the survey while thinking out
loud. Take note of their opinions and feedback.
 Questionnaires
How to Test One?

3. Observe how they complete the survey. Take note of

their hesitations or where they made mistakes in
answering. This is an indication that the survey
questions and layout are not clear enough and needs
improvement. Look at this example:
4. Make improvements based on the results.
 Checkpoint 2:
Question the Questionnaire

Given is an example of a Survey Questionnaire.

Analyze the content and answer the questions that
follow.
 Checkpoint 2:
Question the Questionnaire
1. What is the purpose of the survey questionnaire above?
2. What type of questions were used in the questionnaire?
3. In question no 4, is the given options enough? Why or why not?
4. If you were to use a questionnaire with the same given survey
topic, would you consider using this questionnaire? Why or why
not?
Thank you for listening!