MODULE 1 - NRES 2

Collection of Data: Research Instruments

The choice of instruments in use in the study for collecting data depends
upon the variables being studied, the sampling units to be included, the amount of
time available to complete the study and the amount of resources available.
A pre-test can be used to validate the measures of the variables being studied
by correlating them with outside criteria, to check reliability of data collecting
instruments, to provide a “dry run” of the total administration of the data
collecting phase should not begin until this has been achieved.

The Questionnaire
The most common type of research instrument is the questionnaire. It is a
form prepared and distributed to secure responses to certain questions which are
in general 2 words, factual and are intended to obtain information about condition
or practices which the respondent is presumed to have knowledge.

2 Types of Questionnaire Items

1. Open ended or unstructured questionnaire.

The questions frequently ask why, what, and how. This type allows
the respondents complete freedom in answering but may present
difficulties in terms of time and expense for tabulating and summarizing
the data gathered.

2. Close ended or structured form of questionnaire

This type has the response already prepared. The respondent
merely checks, underlines or ranks the responses as directed it exercises
direct influence in securing responses and greatly facilitates the process
of tabulating and summarizing the data gathered.

Distribution. - questionnaires may be distributed directly or through the mail. It is

more advantageous to mail questionnaires than to distribute them directly.

Cover Letter. - A cover letter should accompany the questionnaire telling the
writer’s purpose, who is sanctioning the study, what will be done with information.
Likewise, the investigator should also include a guarantee of anonymity or
confidentiality of information. He should thank the respondent for participating in the
study and make an offer to inform the respondent of the results if he is interested.

Interview
The interview is probably the second most common method for data
collection. The interviewer may either utilize an interview schedule (structured)
or an interview guide (unstructured) wherein the interviewer is allowed to pursue
 relevant ideas in depth. The interviewer may also use a tape recorder to record the
respondent’s answers so that he may not be bothered in writing down the answers
while the interview is going on.

Categories of Interview

1. Standardized Interview - the interviewer uses the exact wordings of the

interview schedule. He is not allowed to change any of the wordings nor pursue
in lengths statements contained therein.

2. Non-standardized Interview - the interviewer is given the freedom to ask

questions as he may deem fit for the situation and may pursue these to further add
to the data that he is gathering.

3. Semi-structured Interview - a specific number of questions may be asked

by the interviewer and still be able to probe these questions further as needed.

4. Focused Interview - a series of questions based on the previous

understanding and knowledge of the subject are asked by the interviewer.

5. Non-directive Interview - the interviewee is allowed to express his

feelings on topics without being questioned or without fear or disapproval. An
example of this is the clinical interview where the patient is encouraged to
express his feelings without any suggestion from the interviewer.

Observation
Most direct means of studying subjects, when the researcher is interested in
their overt behavior.

Anecdotal Records is a type of observation and recording that involves

situation that are as neutral as possible in the classroom of nursing unit free from
the limiting conditions imposed by a prepared record. This contains a brief
account of some incidents that describes behavior which portray personality
traits, presence or absence of skill, etc.

Critical Incident entails the respondents written account of a particular

situation, for example the researcher may ask the respondent to recall the incident
that occurred in the past three months that was stressful.

Records
provides a readily available and valuable source of data. Record sources are
numerous and are found in such places as libraries, offices, homes, and
institutions. More specifically, records are diaries, correspondence, check books,
patient charts, government records, census, data and so on.