Data Collection, Presentation, and Analysis (1:1)

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Data Collection Overview

Data Collection Instruments

Data collection is the first step in conducting research, essential for answering specific research questions or objectives. The process involves obtaining relevant information through various instruments, either developed or adopted. Researchers need to decide on the following:

  • Which data to collect?
  • How to collect the data?
  • Who will collect the data?
  • When to collect the data?

(Barrot, 2018, p.138)

Types of Research Instruments

Research instruments can be divided into the following categories:

  • Quantitative Research Instruments
    • Questionnaires
    • Interviews
    • Tests
    • Observations
  • Qualitative Research Approaches
    • Direct interaction with individuals one-on-one.
    • Group-based interactions.

Steps in Developing and Utilizing Research Instruments

  • Be clear with your research question.
  • Plan how you will collect the data.
  • Use appropriate research instruments.
  • Collect, tabulate, tally, and analyze the data.
  • Verify the validity and reliability of the data.
  • Present your findings.

Research Instruments

Questionnaires

A questionnaire consists of a series of questions designed to gather data aligned with research questions. Information can be collected through face-to-face, telephone, email, social media, or computer programs.

Approaches in Quantitative Research

  • Scale (Likert scale)
  • Conversion of responses into numerical values (e.g., strongly agree = 5, strongly disagree = 1)

Types of Questionnaires

  • Structured: Closed-ended questions.
  • Unstructured: Open-ended questions.
  • Semi-structured: Combination of both structured and unstructured questions.

Advantages of Using Questionnaires

  • Data can be quickly gathered from a large number of participants.
  • Participants are encouraged to be open due to anonymity.

Disadvantages of Using Questionnaires

  • Questions may be interpreted differently by participants.
  • Some participants may fail to complete or return the questionnaire.
  • Some responses may lack depth.

Guidelines for Using Questionnaires

  1. Choose the method of administration (face-to-face or online).
  2. Structure the questionnaire into sections:
    • Personal Information
    • Main Section (specific questions)
    • Open-ended Section (if applicable)
  3. Ensure questions are aligned with research objectives.
  4. Provide clear instructions for respondents.
  5. Use routing techniques for skipping irrelevant questions.
  6. Begin with general questions, followed by specific ones.
  7. Use brief, clear, and concise language.
  8. Predetermined responses should match the nature of the question.
  9. Avoid negative, biased, or leading questions.
  10. Schedule appointments before distributing questionnaires.
  11. Follow up with non-respondents.
  12. Tally and encode data immediately.

Types of Tests in Quantitative Research

Standardized Tests

  • Uniform scoring, reliable and valid.
  • Examples: Achievement tests, university entrance exams, personality tests.

Non-standardized Tests

  • May not be scored uniformly.

Types of Test Questions

  • Recall Questions: Retrieve information from memory.
  • Recognition Questions: Choose the correct answer from options.
  • Open-ended Questions: Allow detailed responses (e.g., essays).

Interviews

Quantitative Interviews gather data on individual behaviors, opinions, and demographic characteristics using numerical data.

Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative Interviews

  • Quantitative Interviews: Closed-ended questions, structured, large sample size.
  • Qualitative Interviews: Open-ended questions, unstructured, small sample size.

Distinction from Questionnaires

  • Quantitative Interviews: Items are read to participants, follow-up questions allowed.
  • Questionnaires: Participants answer independently without follow-up questions.

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