Methods Data Collection
Methods of Data Collection
Research is designed to gather
accurate information to explain Gathering accurate information is a
concepts or events that are not well critical part of research
understood.
Information gathered for research
can be collected in many ways
depending on the type of research
design that is being used.
Methods of Data Collection
Surveys Interviews Tests
Physiological Existing Record
Observations
Assessments Reviews
Biological
Samples
Methods of Data Collection
A survey is a set of questions for
Surveys research participants to answer.
An interview is an interaction that involves the
researcher and the participant(s) in which questions
are presented in person, over the telephone or even
Interviews
electronically (email or Internet).
Methods of Data Collection
A test is a form or a physical or mental task for
Tests which a normal standard has been determined or
for which there are correct answers.
Physiological Assessments are measurements in which a
participant's physical characteristics are evaluated such as blood
pressure, heart rate, or physical strength. In health-related Physiological
research, physiological assessment may be used to determine
the participant's health status prior to, during, or after the Assessments
completion of the study.
Methods of Data Collection
Biological Existing Record
Observations
Samples Reviews
Observation are Record reviews take place
Biological samples are
when the researcher
recordings that are substances (blood, urine,
examines and extracts
taken of the participant saliva) that are taken from an
information from documents
without requiring individual and used to measure
that include information about
interaction. physiological information.
the participant.
No matter what kind of information is collected in a
research study or how it is collected, it is extremely
important to carry out the collection of the information
with precision (i.e., reliability), accuracy (i.e., validity),
and minimal error. The integrity and usefulness of the
research may be compromised if the study
measurements are not carried out correctly.
Factors for Effective Data Collection
Precision/ Accuracy/
Reliability Validity
Error
Precision or Reliability
- form of the instrument
- the environment
Reliability means that a
Factors - how it is administer
method measures the
same thing every time Affecting - difference in participants
you use the method. Precision from group to group and
across time
- time of the day it is
administered
Example
No Reliability, no Reliability, no Reliability,
Validity Validity Validity
Example of Precision
A study is designed to see if a new anti-hypertension
drug is effective in reducing blood pressure. Participants
in the study have their blood pressure measure to see if
the drug has an effect on lowering blood pressure. The
study design requires that blood pressure is taken when
the individual is in a quiet location using a digital blood
pressure monitor.
Accuracy or Validity
- cultural appropriateness
- the theoretical constructs
Accuracy (i.e., validity) used to develop the
Factors instrument or method
refers to whether or not
an instrument or method Affecting
- appropriateness of the
truly measures what you Accuracy testing method or form of
think it measures the instrument for the
participants' abilities
Accuracy or Validity Instrument
lid?
Va Instrument
?
Valid
Objective
Valid?
Instrument
Val
id ?
Instrument
Example of Accuracy
In a study involving a weight loss program, the
researcher weighs participants to determine if the
program is effective in helping individuals lose weight. To
accurately measure weight, the scale must be working
properly. To check the accuracy of the scale, a 25 pound
weight is placed on a digital scale three times to make
sure that a 25 pound reading is found each time.
Error
- Random Error
Kinds of
Errors
- Systematic Error
An error is considered random if the
value of what is being measured
Random Errors sometimes goes up or sometimes goes
down.
A very simple example is our blood
pressure. Even if someone is healthy, it
is normal that their blood pressure does
not remain exactly the same every time
it is measured. If several measurements
of blood pressure were taken over time,
some would be higher and some would
be lower.
An error is considered systematic if it
Systematic Errors consistently changes in the same
direction.
For example, this could happen with blood pressure
measurements if, just before the measurements
were to be made, something always or often
caused the blood pressure to go up. Or this could
happen because our device for measuring blood
pressure was defective so that it always gave a
result higher, or always gave a result lower, than
the true value.
Self Learning Assessments