Research Tool and Data Collection Methods

DEVELOPMENT OF VARIOUS RESEARCH
TOOL AND DATA COLLECTION METHODS

 What is Data?
 Sources of data
 5 W’s of Data Collection
 Methods & Tools of Data Collection
 Interview
 Questionnaire
 Attitude Scale
 Observation
 Field Notes
 Anecdotes
 Rating Scale
 Checklist
 Bio Physiological Methods
CONTENT

In today's rapidly evolving field of research,
the development and application of various
tools and methods for data collection are
crucial for producing reliable and valid results.
There are various methods and tools for data
gathering and analysis, such as interviews,
questionnaires, attitude scales, observation,
and bio-physiological measurements.
By understanding these tools, researchers can
enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their
studies, leading to more meaningful insights
and outcomes.
INTRODUCTION

DATA
 Data are the observable and measurable facts that provide
information about the phenomenon under study.
 Data is defined as pieces of information.
 In singular it’s called “datum”.
 Example: Age, Weight, Height, BMI, Blood Glucose Level,
Cholesterol Levels, Length of hospital stay, pain level.

DATA
SOURCES
 A quality of research
studies requires that
highly reliable and
valid data are
collected.
 Information collected
from different
research studies
generally depends on
various sources.
 In research studies
two types of data
sources are there:
1) Primary sources
2) Secondary sources

Primary Sources:
 Data directly collected from
research units, which may
be individuals/ objects.
 They provide the first hand
information that is collected
by the researcher directly
from the respondents or the
situations which may be
collected through interviews,
questioning,,observation,
etc.

Secondary
Sources:
 They are data collected
from either internal or
external secondary
sources.
 External sources involved
existing materials such as
published or unpublished
records
 Published records may
include journals,
magazines, censes reports
etc.
 Unpublished records may
include dissertations,
patient records, thesis etc.
 Internal secondary sources
are also known as private
documents may include bio
graphics, personal diaries,
letters, etc.

1. What data is to
be collected?
2. From whom data
is to be collected?
3. Who will collect
data?
4. From where the
data will be
collected?
5. When is the data
collected?
The 5 W’s of Data Collection

Methods of data collection:
• The various steps used for gathering and
analyzing data in a research investigation
are known as the methods of data collection.
Technique of data collection:
• The means of gathering data with the use
of specific tools that are used in given
methods.
Instruments/ Tools of data collection
• Instrument is a device used to measure the
concept of interest in a research project that
the researcher uses to collect the data.
METHODS & TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION

SELECTION OF METHODS AND
TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION
The Selection is based on:
1. The nature of phenomenon
under study
2. Type of research subjects
3. Type of research study
4. Size of the study samples
5. Distribution of target
population
6. Time frame of the study
7. Literacy level of the subjects
8. Availability of resource and
manpower
9. Researchers knowledge level
and competence

INTERVIEW
An interview is a conversation between two or more
people, where questions are asked by the interviewer to
obtain information from the interviewee.
It is defined as a two way systematic
conversation between an investigator and an informant
initiated for obtaining information relevant to specific
study.

CHARACTERISTICS
1. The interviewer and the
respondents are strangers.
2. It is a mode of obtaining verbal
answers to questions put
verbally.
3. Investigator records
information furnished by
respondents.
4. It is a conversation with
specific purpose.
5. It should not need face to face
because it can be conducted over
telephone also.
6. It is not a standardized
process.
7. It can be modified according to
the situation.

TYPES OF INTERVIEW
1.
STRUCTURED
INTERVIEW
2.
UNSTRUCTURED
INTERVIEW
3.
SEMI
STRUCTURED
INTERVIEW
4.
INDEPTH
INTERVIEW
5.
FOCUSED GROUP
INTERVIEW
6.
TELEPHONE
INTERVIEW

•It is a method of
data collection in
which the
interview made
with a detailed,
standardized
schedule.
•Same questions
are put to all the
respondents and
in the same order.
1. Structured Interview:

•It is a method
where the questions
are not prearranged
and can be modified
to meet the
respondent’s
intelligence and
understanding.
•It is not formalized
& has open ended
questions.
2. Unstructured Interview
Example:
 What is your opinion regarding mobile phone for under five children?
What is your view regarding online teaching for school students?

It is a flexible
method that allows
new questions to be
brought up during
the interview
depending upon the
situation.
3. Semi Structured Interview

This is an
intensive and
investigative
interview
conducted and
aimed at
studying the
respondent’s
opinion &
emotions on
the basis of
interview guide.
4. Indepth Interview

 It is an unstructured
group interview
technique where 8-
12 members are
brought together
under the guidance
of the trained
interviewer, to focus
on a specific topic.
 All information
including facial
expression & body
language are
recorded for the
study purpose.
5. Focused Group Interview

This method
of collecting
information
consists in
contacting
respondents
on telephone
itself.
More flexible
& quick way
of obtaining
information.
6. Telephone Interview

• Time consuming
for data collection
• Costly process
• High chances of
interviews bias
• They are used to
obtain people’s
feelings, perceptions
and opinions.
• High response rate
is achieved.
• Respondents own
words are recorded
• Meaning of
questions can be
clarified

A questionnaire is structured instrument
consisting of a series of questions prepared by
researcher that a research subject is asked to
complete, to gather data from individuals about
knowledge, attitude and feeling.
A questionnaire is a structured self report
paper and pencil instrument that a research
subject is asked to complete.
QUESTIONNAIRE

TYPES OF QUESTIONS
1. OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
2. CLOSED ENDED QUESTIONS
A. DICHOTOMOUS QUESTIONS
B. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
C. CAFETERIA QUESTIONS
D. RANK ORDER QUESTIONS
E. CONTINGENCY QUESTIONS
F. RATING QUESTIONS
G. IMPORTANCE QUESTIONS
H. LIKERT QUESTIONS
I. BIPOLAR QUESTIONS
J. MATRIX QUESTIONS

• They are the questions which provide
opportunity to the respondents to express
their opinions and answers in their own
way.
Example:
• Tell me about your relationship with
yours neighbours.
• Where do you want to be in next five
years?
1. Open Ended Questions

• These questions offer respondents a number
of alternative replies, from which the subjects
must choose the one that most likely matches
the appropriate answer.
Close ended questions subtypes:
a. Dichotomous Questions:
• This requires respondents to make a
choice between two alternatives such as yes or no,
true or false, male or female.
Example:
• Have you ever been hospitalized?
a. Yes b. No
2. Closed Ended Questions

• These questions require respondents to make a
choice between more than two alternatives.
Example: Who is known as Lady with the lamp?
a. Mother Teresa b. Sarojini Naidu
c. Florence nightingale d. None of these
c. Cafeteria Questions:
• They allow respondents to select a response that
most closely correspondents to their view.
Example: What do you think about the use of electronic
health records (EHR) in nursing practice?
• They enhance the quality of patient care and should be used widely
• They have some benefits but need more user training
• I am uncertain about their overall impact
• They complicate patient care and should be reconsidered
b. Multiple Choice Questions:

These questions ask respondents to rank their
responses from most favourable to least favourable.
Example: what according to you is most important for
your life?
Money Education Family
 
e. Contingency Questions:
A question is asked further only respondent gives a
particular if the response to previous question.
Example: Are you stressed?
• No
• Yes, If yes Why………………..
d. Rank Order Questions:

Respondent is asked to rate a particular issue on
a scale that ranges from poor to good. They may
provide a number of choices.
Example:
1. How do you rate the following
Poor, Good, Very Good
a) Service
b) Cleanliness
c) Parking
d) Quality of food
f. Rating questions

In this respondent is asked to rate the importance
of a particular issue, on a rating scale of 1-5.
Examples:
1. Exercising every day is……… for the health.
g. Importance question

It help to know how strongly the respondents agrees
with a particular statement.
Example: Person with multiple sex partners is at
high risk of AIDS?
h. Likert Questions
i. Bipolar questions
These are questions that have two extreme answers.
Respondent has to mark his or her response between
two opposite ends of the scale.
Example: What is your balance of preference here?
I like going for walk ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) I like watching movie

It include multiple questions and identical response
categories are assigned.
Questions are placed one under the other, forming a
matrix. Response categories are placed along the
top and a list of questions down the side.
Example: Please let me know your weekly
schedule of the following:
j. Matrix questions

GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNING A GOOD QUESTIONNAIRE
i. It must be developed in accordance with objectives.
ii. It should begin with the instructions for response.
iii. The questionnaire should be concise and brief.
iv. Language should be according to the respondents
knowledge about a particular language.
v. Open ended question should be avoided if possible
vi. Avoid questions with difficult concepts.
vii. Avoid controversial and ambiguous questions.
viii. There should be logical sequence of questions.
ix. Questions should be from general to more specific
x. Avoid negative questions, use positive statements.
xi. A mailed questionnaire should be accompanied
by introduction to the study, purpose, and directions
to fill the questionnaire.

• Not suitable for
all types of
research studies
• Provides only
superficial
information
• Low return rate
• People can
attempt false
information
• Cost effective
• Easy to analyze with
statistics
• Require less time
and energy to
administer
• Can easily be used
for larger sample size
• Can be administered
for distant samples
(mailed/ posted)

An attitude scale is a measurement tool used
to assess an individual's attitude towards a
particular object, concept, or event.
Attitude refers to the positive or negative
evaluations, feelings, or beliefs that
individuals hold towards an object or issue.
ATTITUDE SCALES

TYPES OF ATTITUDE SCALE
1. Likert Scale
2. Semantic
Differential Scale
3. Visual Analogue
Scale

• A Likert scale is a rating scale used to measure
opinions, attitudes, or behaviours. It consists of a
statement or a question, followed by a series of five or
seven answer statements.
• Respondents choose the option that best
corresponds with how they feel about the statement.
• Primarily original version of this scale was developed
with five point scale (Strongly Agree, Agree, Uncertain,
Disagree, Strongly Disagree).
• Now in recent time one can even observe the likert
scale with four points (Strongly Agree, Moderately Agree,
Uncertain, Disagree) to seven points (Very Strongly Agree,
Strongly Agree, Agree, Uncertain, Disagree, Strongly Disagree,
Very Strongly Disagree).
1. Likert Scale

• Feelings/ attitude
may not be fully
assessed
• Casual approach
of respondents may
provide misleading
data
• Easy to construct
and administer
• It is considered
more reliable and
valid tool to assess
attitude of subject
• Less time
consuming

•Semantic Differential Scale is a rating scale used to
measure the attitudes and opinions of respondents
toward an object, person, event, or idea.
•It uses a set of bipolar adjectives, such as "good-bad,"
"happy-sad," "strong-weak," etc., placed at opposite
ends of a continuum.
Usage:
• Patient Satisfaction Survey
• Customer Satisfaction Survey
• Employee Survey
2. Semantic Differential Scale
Example:

• It is time
consuming to find
appropriate
subjects.
• Scale is
susceptible to bias.
• Easy to administer
• Easy to construct
• Highly flexible

• It is a tool used to help a person rate the intensity of
certain sensations and feelings such as pain.
• It is frequently used in clinical or community health
analysis. For example, if a person suffering from pain
can rate that pain from a degree ranging continuously
from “no pain” to “Severe Pain”.
Uses:
• To measure the level of pain, anxiety or mood.
3. Visual Analogue Scale
Example:

•Can not be used for
comparing across a
group of
individuals at one-time
point.
•The VAS is
administered as a
paper and pencil
measure or digital. It
cannot be
administered
verbally or by phone
•It is reliable and valid
tool to measure the
intensity of certain
sensations and feelings.
•The VAS takes < 1
minute to complete.
•No training is required
other than the ability to
use a
ruler.

It is a technique for collecting the data or acquiring
information through occurrences that can be observed
through senses with or without mechanical devices.
Uses:
• To understood an ongoing process or situation.
• To gather data on individual behavior or steps/
sequence of any process or event.
• To know about a physical setting.
OBSERVATIONS

Types
1. Structured
observation
2. Unstructured
observation
3. Participant
observation
4. Non participant
observation

In this, researcher in advance prepares a
structured or semi structured tool to observe the
phenomenon under study. It is generally carried
out by using tools like checklist or rating scale.
a. Structured Observation
It is used for complete and nonspecific observation,
specifically for qualitative studies. The tools are used
by researcher are field diary, video recording etc.
b. Unstructured Observation

In this observer works as an eaves dropper (secretly
listening or observing), where an attempt is made to
observe people without interacting with them.
It is a technique used by psychologists to study
children or animals.
d. Non Participant Observation
In this observer may live or work in field and
actively participate in ongoing activities for the
extended period.
c. Participant Observation

• Time consuming.
• Slow and laborious.
• Susceptible to observer
bias.
• Susceptible to
‘Hawthorne effect’, that
is people usually perform
better when they know they
are being observed.
• Can be expensive.
• Lack of co-operation
from subjects
• Can be unethical in
some of the cases
• It provides direct, real-
time information on
ongoing
process/situation.
• Allows researcher to see
what people do rather
than relying on what
people say they did.
• Data collected is
accurate and reliable

•Field note is a qualitative notes of an observation
made by a researcher in a research setting, which
includes descriptive and reflective narrations of the
observed behaviour, event, place or person.
•Descriptive information is factual data that is being
recorded. Includes time and date, physical setting,
social environment, descriptions of the subjects being
studied and their roles in the setting.
FIELD NOTE

•It is a brief, non-judgemental written record of an
observed incident. Anecdotes are record of what,
when, where, how event happened and what was
said and done.
•An anecdotal record is a short, objective,
descriptive summary of one event or incident
writing down after the event has taken place.
ANECDOTES

•Rating is the term used to express the opinion or
judgement regarding some performance of a
person, objects, situations or character.
•It is a tool in which the one person simply checks
of another person’s level of performance.
•Rating scale could be three point, five point,
seven point scale.
RATING SCALES

Types
1. Graphic
Rating Scale
2.
Descriptive
Rating Scale
3. Numerical
Rating Scale
4.
Comparative
Rating Scale

a. Graphic Rating Scale
• This type of rating scale do not use number but
divide the assessment into series of verbal phrases to
indicate the level of performance.
Example: Likert Scale
b. Descriptive Rating Scale
• In this scale the performance is printed horizontally
at various points from lowest to highest.
Example:
Semantic differential scale

3. Numerical Rating Scale
• The researcher makes a judgment about an attribute
of a person by comparing it with that of a similar
another person.
Example:
4. Comparative Rating Scale
• It divides the evaluation criteria into a fixed number
of points denoted by numerics.
Example:
Visual Analog Scale

• It is difficult or
dangerous to fix up
rating about many
aspects of individuals.
• Easy to administer and
score the measured
attributes.
• It can be easily used for
a large group
• It may be used for the
comparison of personal
characteristics of a
subject or event.

A checklist is a simple instrument consisting prepared list
of expected items of performances or attributes which are
checked by researcher for the presence or absence.
Characteristics:
• Observe one respondent at one time
• Clearly specify characteristics of behavior to be observed
• The observer should be trained how to use the checklist
CHECKLIST

1. Express each item in clear and simple
language.
2. An intensive survey of the literature is made
before making any checklist.
3. The list of items in the checklist may be
continuous or divided into groups.
4. Avoid negative statement whenever possible.
5. Avoid lifting statement verbatim from the text.
6. Checklist must have quality of completeness
and comprehensiveness.
Construction of Checklist

• Does not indicate
quality of performance,
so usefulness of
checklist is limited.
• It is very easy for
certain important items
to be omitted in a
checklist.
• They can be developed
very easily and quickly.
• Checklist reduces the
chances of error in
observation.
• It is useful to obtain a
large amount of data at one
time.
• Consumes less time to
record the observation..
• It is useful in evaluating
learning activities.
• It helps in evaluating
procedural work.

• This method involves the collection of bio
physiological data from subjects by using the
specialized equipments to determine physical and
biological status of the subjects.
Purpose:
1. To study physiological process.
2. To study physiological outcome of nursing care.
3. To assess health status of the subject.
BIO PHYSIOLOGICAL METHODS

TYPES
a. In vivo Bio Physiological Methods
The measurements are directly performed over
the organism or study subject by using
specialized instruments or equipments.
Example: BP, Inch tape, weighing machine etc.
b. In vitro Bio Physiological Methods
They are the measurements carried out outside
the organism or study subject by using
specialized instruments or equipments.
Example: Blood test, CT Scan, MRI etc.

• Some of instruments
are very costly
• It requires significant
amount of training,
knowledge and
experience
• The results produced
by these instruments
may be affected by
environment.
• The use may cause fear
and anxiety among
• Bio-physiologic
measures are relatively
more accurate and
errorless.
• Provide valid measures
for targeted variables.
• Easy access to most of
the instruments.

In conclusion, it's clear that the choice of data
collection methods plays a important role in
the success of any research. The selection of
appropriate tools, tailored to the specific needs
and context of the study, ensures the accuracy
and reliability of the data collected. By
mastering these techniques, researchers can
contribute to advancing knowledge in their
respective fields, ultimately leading to
improved practices and outcomes in various
disciplines.
CONCLUSION

Research Tool and Data Collection Methods

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