Data collection instruments/measurement tools Flashcards
Explain the different instruments used to gather data
-Provides quantitative information
-Describes features about people or social world
-Used to explain or explore
-Self reported behaviour or belief
What are the instruments needed when collecting data in a research project
-Questionnaire
-Customer interviews
-Observations
-Focus groups
-Telephone surveys
What are the types of questions and respnse categories
- Threatening and non-threatening questions
- Knowledge questions
- Skip/Contigency questions
- Open or closed questions
How can questionnaires be distributed
Hand, mail, Email, Online
Important points to consider in a questionnaire
1.Response/Nonresponse rates
2. Structure
3. Type of items
Advantages of closed questions
-Easier and quicker to administer
-Comparison easy
-Easy code and statistical analysis
-Few irrelevant answers
-Can be replicated
Disadvantages of closed questions
-Ideas respondent don’t have
-Desired answer not a choice
-Wrong responses possible
-Simplistic response to complex issues
-Blurred
Advantages of open questions
-Detailed and clear answers
-Unanticipated findings
-Adequate answers to complex issues
-Creativity, self expression and richness in detail allowed
Disadvantages of open questions
-Different degrees of detail
-Irrelevant responses and detail
-Comparison and statistical analysis difficult
-Coding responses difficult
Advantages of mail and self- adminstered questionnaires
-Cheap
-Wide geographical area
-Anonymous
-Interview bias reduced
-Respondents record own answer
Disadvantages of mail and self- adminstered questionnaires
-Low response rate
-Reminders costly and time consuming
-Uncontrolled conditions of filling questionnaires
-No clarification of questions
Ways to increase mail questionnaire response
-Address to specific person
-Appropriate cover letter
-Do not send during holiday periods
-Local institutions can be used
Principles of good questionnaire
-Avoid jargon, slang and abbreviations
-Avoid ambiguity, confusion and vagueness
-Avoid false promises
-Avoid double negatives
-Avoid asking about future intentions
-Avoid leading questions
Disadvantages of focus groups
- Does not give statistics
- Marketing tools seen as
“suspect” - Analysis subjective
Advantages of focus groups
-Aid in understanding
audience, group, users
-Small group interaction
more than individual
response
-Helps identify and fill
gaps in current
knowledge
Advantages of case studies
-Focus is on individual
or small group
-Able to conduct a
comprehensive
analysis from a
comparison of cases
-Allows for identification
of variables or
phenomenon to be
studied
Disadvantages of case studies
-Time consuming
-Depth rather than
breadth
-Not necessarily
representative
