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9Data Collection Tools

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9Data Collection Tools

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Data Collection Tools

• Selection considerations– Research question– Research design– Type of data (quantitative or qualitative)– Population

• Two primary categories– Subject-completed instruments– Researcher-completed instruments

Subject-Completed Instruments

• Instruments that provide quantitative data:1. Written questionnaire or survey—questions with a

limited number of response options (closed-ended questions)

2. Self-checklist—limited number of items to choose from on a list. Subjects check items that are completed or that they prefer.

• Instruments that provide qualitative data:1. Written questionnaire or survey—questions that are

open ended (e.g., essay form)

Written Questionnaire Question (Quantitative Data)

What is your age?1. 20-292. 30-393. 40-494. 50-595. 60-69

Likert Scale (Quantitative Data)

Strongly disagree

Disagree Agree Strongly agree

1. The instructor was well prepared for every class.

1 2 3 4 5

Self-Checklist (Quantitative Data)

1. Which of the following activities would you be interested in doing with your teenager during the spring and fall? Please check your top FIVE choices.

____ Archery ____ Kayaking ____ Swimming (indoor)

____ Biking ____ White-water rafting

____ Climbing wall

____ Canoeing ____ Nature programs ____ Rock climbing

____ Paddle boating ____ Fishing ____ Hiking

____ Sailing ____ Field day (variety of sports and outdoor activities)

____ Orienteering (map and compass)

Written Questionnaire (Qualitative Data)

1. What did your child like the most about his or her day camp experience?

2. What suggestions do you have to improve the day camp for next year?

Table 9.1

Researcher-Completed Instruments

• Instruments that provide qualitative data:1. Focus group—Open-ended questions are

presented to a group of subjects.2. Unstructured interview—Open-ended questions are

presented to individual subjects.3. Observations—The researcher watches what

occurs and records the observations.

(continued)

Researcher-Completed Instruments (continued)

• Instruments that provide quantitative data:1. Structured interview—The researcher reads a

survey with limited response options to the subject (closed-ended questions).

2. Performance checklist—The researcher checks off skills that can be performed by the subject.

3. Product evaluation—The researcher evaluates the product of an individual (e.g., a bowl made on the potter’s wheel).

4. Rating scale—The researcher ranks items from highest to lowest.

Focus Groups and Unstructured Interviews

The researcher asks open-ended questions to people in a face-to-face format.– What do you like best about the recreation facility?– What do you dislike about the recreation facility?

Table 9.2

Structured Interview

• The researcher interviews a person by reading a written survey with closed-ended questions in a face-to-face format.

• The researcher records responses on the survey.

• Example: Age question

Performance Checklist

• The researcher has a checklist of skills and notes what skills the person can perform.

• Example: Swim lesson– Prone float on belly– Prone float on back– Bob 10 times consecutively

Product Evaluation

• The researcher evaluates a product by applying a predetermined set of criteria.

• Example: Pottery class– Throwing a pot on a wheel

• Thickness of sides is not more than 1/4 inch.• Thickness of bottom is not more than 1/2 inch.• Height of pot is at least 5 inches.• Pot is symmetrical.

Rating Scale

• Rating scales are often used in competitive sports.

• Example: Diving competition– Rating scale from 0 to 10

• 0 means the dive was not performed.• 10 means the dive was perfect.

Table 9.3

Table 9.3

Two Options for Data Collection Instruments

1. Find a preexisting instrument• Instrument generally has been used in the field.• Instrument has validity and reliability.• Researcher can locate instruments through

literature and studies on similar topics.

2. Create your own instrument• Researcher must field-test.• Researcher must establish validity and reliability.

Table 9.4