Scribd
Upload
30 views

Data Collection Instruments 1

This document discusses different data collection instruments used in research. It describes questionnaires and interviews as the main tools. Questionnaires can be paper-based or electronic and include open or closed-ended questions. They allow for quick, low-cost data collection from a large sample across locations but responses may be interpreted differently. Interviews facilitate direct interaction with participants but take more time and resources. The appropriate instrument depends on the study design and type of data needed.

Uploaded by

sammie cele
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
30 views

Data Collection Instruments 1

This document discusses different data collection instruments used in research. It describes questionnaires and interviews as the main tools. Questionnaires can be paper-based or electronic and include open or closed-ended questions. They allow for quick, low-cost data collection from a large sample across locations but responses may be interpreted differently. Interviews facilitate direct interaction with participants but take more time and resources. The appropriate instrument depends on the study design and type of data needed.

Uploaded by

sammie cele
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

Data collection instruments

(also see slides on


week 2 Lecture 3 / 4)
Data collection instruments
• Research instruments, also called research tools are
devices used to collect data from the participants.
• The instrument facilitates the observation and measurement of
variables. They play a critical role in designing and
developing research projects. It is therefore, of vital
importance to select suitable instruments or tools.
• The type of instrument used in a study will be determined by
the data-collection method(s) selected.
Tools
• Questionnaire
• Interview schedule
Questionnaires
A questionnaire is a printed list of questions that respondents are asked to
answer. They are also known as indirect interviews. They are widely used
tools as they cover large populations in quantitative studies. Questions within
a questionnaire can be open-ended and or closed ended. Questionnaires can
be paper-based or electronic (survey monkey, google drive, QuestionPro
Survey Tool)

When to use questionnaires


• Factual data required
• Large sample
• Minimum cost and time
• Crossing geographical limitation
Strengths of questionnaires
• Questionnaires can be used to collect data quite quickly.
• Very cost effective compared to face to face interviews
• Very familiar with people almost everyone has completed one so no guidance
needed.
• They can be completed easily and quickly.
• All participants can be given the opportunity to provide feedback.
• Feedback is generally anonymous, which encourages openness and honesty.
• Structured questionnaire data can be processed by software packages such as Excel
and SPSS.

Limitations
• Questions could be interpreted differently by respondents.
• Data processing and analysis for large samples can be time consuming.
• It can be difficult motivating potential respondents to complete questionnaires .
Types of questionnaires
• Open-ended questionnaire
• Closed questionnaire
• Mixed questionnaire
Disadvantages of using questionnaires
• Some people may not be willing to answer the questions. They might not
wish to reveal the information or they might think that they will not benefit
from responding perhaps even be penalised by giving their real opinion.
• Questionnaires also invite people to lie and answer the questions very
vaguely which they would not do in an interview.
• You forget to ask a question, you cannot usually go back to respondents,
especially if they are anonymous
Interviews
Observation

You might also like