DATA GATHERING TOOLS AND USES(QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE

RESEARCH)

Flerida S. PajarillagaEPS II- HRD

By the end of this seminar-workshop, the participants should be able to: Know what is data-gathering and its

importance Select from the list of collecting data

tools by being informed of its benefits and drawbacks

Come-up with an appropriate tool for the topic research

Let’s check what you know about data gathering tools!

PRIMING ACTIVITY

Data-gathering in research can be

categorized either Quantitative or

QualitativeYES

1

An observation checklist is the most

simplest device in data gathering

YES

2

Observation schedule and observation checklist are the

same

NO

3

Administration of interview can be

standardized

YES

4

Theme organization is a method utilized

to interpret results of an interview

YES

5

Questionnaire can be administered through

mail

YES

6

Behavior cannot be measured by written

test

NO

7

The type of measurement scale may be determined

with the kind of data-gathering tool

selectedYES

8

Data can be defined as the quantitative or qualitative value of a variable (e.g. number, images, words, figures, facts or ideas).

It is a lowest unit of information from which other measurements & analysis can be done

What is data-gathering?

Translate the research objectives into specific questions, the responses will provide the data required to achieve the research objectives

Provides descriptions of characteristics of individuals, institutions or other phenomena under study.

Useful for measuring the various variable to the study.

Why is data-gathering important?

Methods of Collecting QUALITATIVE Data

Data collection usually involves direct interaction with individuals on a one-on-one basis or with individuals in a group setting

Characteristics time consuming collected from a smaller sample more expensive.

Benefits of the qualitative approach is that the information is richer and has a deeper insight into the phenomenon under study

Methods of Collecting QUALITATIVE Data

QUALITATIVE

Data Collection

Tools

Observations

Interviews

Focus groups

Action Research

Methods of Collecting QUANTITATIVE Data

Geared towards numerical collection

QUANTITATIVE

Data Collection

Tools

Observations

Interviews

Rating Scales

Questionnaire

Data Gathering

Tools

Observation Schedule A form on which observations of an object or a phenomenon are recorded.

The items to be observed are determined with reference to the nature and objectives of the study.

Grouped into appropriate categories and listed in the order in which the observer would observe them.

Checklist The simplest of all the

devices The presence or absence of

each item may be indicated by checking 'yes' or 'no' or multipoint scale.

The use of a checklist ensures a more complete consideration of all aspects of the object, act or task.

P

Overt – subject is aware

Covert- subject is unaware

Field notes Informal approach Building rapport What to observe Use of audio

visual devices

Types of Observation Considerations in Observation

Interview Guide Usually non-directive and

serves as a suggestive reference or prompter during interview.

Aids in focusing attention on salient points relating to the study and in securing comparable data in different interviews by the same or different interviewers.

Structured (for research)

Semi-structured (flexible but structured)

Non-directive (free talk on issues)

Focused(in depth talk on an issues)

TYPES of INTERVIEW

Yield rich, detailed and new insights

Face-to-face contact

Easy to Administer

Expensive and Time-consuming

Recall Error Prone to

inconsistencies Huge volume of

data

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGE

Focus Group Discussions (FGD)

It is an open discussion group of about 6-8 participants led by a neutral facilitator with ready questions that may or may not be in sequence

Focus groups combine elements of both interviewing and participant observation

Focus Group Discussions (FGD)

Focus groups combine elements of both interviewing and participant observation

The hallmark is the explicit use of the group interaction to generate data

Allows observation of group dynamics, discussion, and firsthand insights into the respondents’ behaviors, attitudes, language, etc.

Interview vs. FGD

1. Group Interaction2. Group Peer Pressure3. Sensitivity of the

Subject Matter4. Depth of Response5. Data Collector

Fatigue

FGD

FGD

Interview

Interview

Interview

Interview vs. FGD

6. Extent of Issues covered

7. Continuity of Information

8. Observation of Stakeholders

9. Logistics Geographically

10. Cost of Training 11. Availability of

Qualified Staff

Interview

Interview

FGD

FGD

FGD

FGD/Interview

FGD: Most Applicable When Identifying and defining

problems in project implementation

Pretesting topics Evaluation and

recommendations Interpretation of quantitative

findings Obtaining perceptions of

project outcomes Generating new ideas

Rating Scale

This is a recording form used for measuring individual's attitudes, aspirations and other psychological and behavioural aspects, and group behaviour.

Questionnaire/ Survey An indirect interview where

series of questions are in written form

Factual data are gathered on large number, defying geographical limitations, minimum cost and less time

Popular programs to create online surveys are google forms, survey monkey and poll everywhere.

Types of Survey Open-ended

Difficult to code due to variety of response

Close –ended May vary from Rating Scale

(e.g., rate a given statement from 1 to 4 on a scale from “agree” to “disagree”)

Category or Percentage of Time

Objectivity Easily

administered to large number of people

Inexpensive Flexibility of time

Difficult to analyze

Collection is a challenge

Ambiguous

Advantages Disadvantages

Test Tests provide a way to

assess subjects’ knowledge and capacity to apply this knowledge to new situations

May take in many forms (e.g. Performance and Attitudinal Measures)

Objective information on what the test taker knows and can do

match to a given curriculum or set of skills

Easily scored Accepted by the

public as a credible indicator of learning

Oversimplified and superficial

Time consuming May be biased May be subject to

corruption via coaching or cheating

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

On establishing a culture of research

“ Research has shown that it takes 31 days of conscious effort to make or break a habit.

That means if one practices something consistently for 31 days, on the 32nd day it does become a habit. Information has been internalized into behavioral change which is

called transformation.

Shiv Khera