SHS

www.shsph.blogspot.com

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter 2 - Module 5
Enriching Data Through Observation
and Interviews
www.shsph.blogspot.com

Practical Research 1
Quarter 2 – Module 5 – Enriching Data Through Observation and Interviews

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every
effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Anabelle Broso and Jenny Buenconsejo

Editor: Rolando Montealegre

Illustrator: Jason C. Borabo

Layout Artist: Atty. Catherine B. Panti

Reviewers: Lany M. Abainza

MASBATE CITY DIVISION (headed by Jeanette M. Romblon)

www.shsph.blogspot.com
MODULE 5
Enriching Data Through Observation and
Interviews
(Collects Data Through Observation and Interviews)
Hello there! In today’s lesson we are going to discuss how to collect
data through observations and interviews in order to achieve valuable
information for a study.

By knowing these, you will be able to use the best approach to gather
materials which are vital to the analysis and success of the research
objective.

Then, let’s begin!

Specifically, after going through this module, you should be able to collect data
through observation and interviews.

YOUR READINESS CHECK

Directions: Name the following devices and indicate how you think they can be used in
research. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

1. 2.

-http://www.adiakibur.com
-https://sea.pcmag.com

3. 4. 5.

-https://www.theverge..com -https://en.wikipedia.org
-https://www.officedepot.com

1
www.shsph.blogspot.com

Good work! You were able to explain how the above images can be
used in data collection. There’s no need to hurry. We have prepared
more tasks to guide you through this lesson. Have fun!

YOUR VOCABULARY BUILDER

Directions: For this task, you may want to have your word list ready with you. Look at the
following terms below which you may encounter in this lesson. See what they mean using your
dictionary.

unstructured structured
observation interviews interview

semi-structured
focus groups
interview

Nicely done. Now, make sure to take note of these terms

you’ve defined. You are now ready to learn the main
points of this module Good luck!

YOUR INITIAL TASKS

Directions: Read and answer the questions carefully. Write and explain your answer on
your answer sheet.

1. Why is it necessary to use the right method or instrument for a particular task?

2. Do you think devices and tools always work to the benefit of the user? Why or why
not?

2
www.shsph.blogspot.com

3. Do you agree that not all instruments or tools are physical? Why or why not?

4. In a research study, why do you think there is a need for the use of specific research
tools?

5. What can happen if a researcher’s methods and instruments are not prepared
meticulously?

How was your score? Did you score 4-5? Well, congratulations! You
are almost a master! But if you scored 3 and below, I will help you
master the skill with the next activities that are prepared especially
for you.

YOUR GUIDE

COLLECTING DATA THROUGH OBSERVATION

AND INTERVIEWS

The basic and common methods of data collection used in qualitative research are
observations and interviews. The choice of the method is dependent on the needs of the
research. The researcher may adopt a variety of research technique, or combinations of the
methods. This chapter will introduce you to techniques and methods commonly used in
qualitative research.

Methods of Data Collection in Qualitative Research

Observation is a preferred tool for collecting data

where the use of interviews and questionnaires
OBSERVATION are not possible, such as when the study
participants are very young children and those
with disabilities.

3
www.shsph.blogspot.com
When using the observation method, you use senses to observe and study people in
their natural settings. It involves observing behavior and recording the results of your
observations using the following systematic guidelines:

1. Observations should be certain and carefully planned. Pre-planned research

questions serve as guide throughout the process.
2. An observation checklist should be prepared prior to the observation process. This
shall be used for recording observations. A video recording may also be used when
observing behavioral data that you want to measure or collect.
3. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods may be used for data analysis.

Observation can be used within any research strategy. Observations can take various shapes
and use different senses and/or equipment.
In covert research, the fact that they are observed is not known to the participants.
In overt research, the participants are informed about the observation taking place.

A. Participant observation
B. Systematic or Direct observation

TWO TYPES OF OBSERVATION

1. Structured Observation
2. Unstructured Observation

Advantages

1. It is the most direct measure of behavior.

2. It provides direct information.
3. It is easy to complete and is efficient.
4. It can be used in natural or experimental settings.

Disadvantages

1. It may require training.

2. It is susceptible to bias.
3. Observer’s presence may create an artificial situation.
4. It can potentially overlook meaningful aspects.
5. It is open to misinterpretation.
6. It is difficult to analyze.

IMPROVING YOUR OBSERVATION SKILLS

(REVENAUGH 2010: COX, 2015)

4
www.shsph.blogspot.com
1. Look at everyday life in a clear manner. Empty yourself of preoccupied thoughts.
2. Be curious. As you look for some objects try to focus and look at every side of it,
the color, the shape, what makes it up and other details.
3. Be inquisitive. Always try to ask people questions.
4. Be open to new experiences. Develop a positive attitude towards experiencing
new things.
5. Know your own behavior attitudes and personal skills and how they impact
others. Go on research. Surf the net. Read more.
6. Be willing to seek the inputs of others. Be humble enough to receive criticisms,
this will open your mind to new avenues and perceptions.
7. Be open to new ideas. Listen to someone. Attend meetings and convocations.
8. Practice good listening skills.
9. Set aside personal biases.
10. Be comfortable with ambiguity.

An interview is a personal conversation

between two or more people which constitute the
target population for the purpose of collecting INTERVIEW
information for a research project. Interviews are
used to explore the opinions, beliefs, viewpoints,
thoughts, experiences and judgements about something. The interview method is preferred
by researchers on qualitative research projects due to its high response rate, longer time and
opportunity to view behaviors and listen to personal views and perceptions about a research
topic or interest.

Types of Interview

There are three fundamental types of research interviews: the structured, semi-
structured and the unstructured.

Structured interviews are verbally administered questionnaires, in which a list of pre-

determined questions is asked with little or no variation and with no scope for follow-up
questions to responses that warrant further elaboration. By their very nature, they only allow
for limited participant responses and are, therefore, of little use if ‘depth’ is required.

Unstructured interviews do not reflect any pre-conceived theories or ideas and are
performed with little or no organization. Such an interview may simply start with an opening
question such as “Can you tell me about your experience of visiting the doctor?” and will then
progress, based primarily, upon the initial response. Unstructured interviews are usually very
time-consuming and can be difficult to manage and to participate in, as the lack of pre-
determined interview questions provides little guidance on what to talk about, which may
cause confusion to both participants and interviewer.
Semi-structured interviews consist of several key questions that help to define the
areas to be explored, but also allows the interviewer or interviewee to diverge in order to
pursue an idea or response in more detail. The flexibility of this approach, particularly

5
www.shsph.blogspot.com
compared to structured interviews, also allows for the discovery or elaboration of information
that is important to participants but may not have previously been thought of as pertinent by
the research team.
In contrast to the unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews are those in-
depth interviews where the respondents have to answer pre-set open-ended questions and
thus are widely employed by different researchers especially by healthcare professionals in
their research.

INTERVIEWING GROUPS OF PEOPLE FOR RESEARCH

(FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION)

When interviewing an individual to obtain detailed information or perception about a

program or issue, it is usually referred to as in-depth interview. In- depth interview is used if
respondents are not comfortable discussing in a group.
1. PLANNING STAGE

Identify the participants in the study first by groups. You may use purposive
sampling.
Have a listing of the respondents to be interviewed.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUMENT

Develop the interview guide

List the question to be asked during the interview
An ideal number of not more than 15 questions may guide you in the interview.
However, further questions may be asked for in-depth probing of issues which may
pop out during the interview process.

Focus groups are used when your research interest is on the cultural norms of a
group of people. You will be able to generate views, perceptions, practices and beliefs on
issues unique to the cultural groups or subgroups represented.

When interviewing of people called focus group, you may use the following guide:

1. Employ purposive sampling in choosing the group of respondents.

2. Invite the groups of respondents in advance.
3. Send the information sheet and consent form to the respondents.
4. Set the time and venue of the interview.
5. Set up the technical support like video recordings, camera, projector, etc.
6. Provide refreshments for the participants and offer them traveling expenses; if needed.
7. Provide the proper orientation about the interview to the participants.
8. Explain the objective or purpose of the research study and the interview process.
9. Develop and use the interview guide with open-ended questions.
10. In focus group interviews, you may ask further questions, clarify issues or unclear
responses.

6
www.shsph.blogspot.com

How to record the interview

1. Taking notes
2. Audio recordings
3. Video recordings

Other ways to interview

1. Telephone interviews
2. Video link interviews like Skype, etc.
3. Audio link like VoIP, etc.
4. Email

Advantages

Interviews are good at dealing with topics in depth and in detail;

1. Interviews are flexible;
2. Interviews tend to prefer a conversation to a dry questionnaire.

Disadvantages

1. Interviews are time consuming;

2. Interviews can be unreliable, misleading;
3. Interviews require good social skills
4. Interviews are not appropriate for making generalizations.

Congratulations! You now learned what an observation and

interview are. Let us try to sharpen your knowledge for better
comprehension.

YOUR DISCOVERY TASKS

Activity 1: This is What I See!

Directions: Imagine a situation wherein you need to do an interview or observation. Choose
your own setting and target people. Draw it on a short coupon bond and explain why you
choose that target and setting.

Activity 2: My Interview Guide

Directions: Based on your answer in Task 1, if you choose to do an interview ,write
example of questions that you will ask the respondents. If you choose to do observations,
write an example of observation checklist. Write them on your notebook.

7
www.shsph.blogspot.com

Activity 3: What would it be?

Direction: Cite at least five (5) examples each of possible research projects wherein the
following techniques of data collection are applicable. Write your answers on your notebook.

I. Observation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

II. Interview
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Excellent job! You were able to complete all the activities

provided to sharpen your comprehension of this lesson.

LET’S SUM IT UP

As a data collection technique, interview is used when detailed and lengthy explanations
are needed for a research study. Interviews ranged from a highly structured style wherein
predetermined questions are used during the process in the order of the questions and the
same for all the respondents. Interviews may also be semi-structured or unstructured in
which open-ended questions are asked. Some questions are asked to all respondents;
however, if there are follow-up questions, they may vary from respondent to the other,
depending on the answer/s to the questions.

Observation is an immersive method of collecting information or data on natural

phenomena or behavior as it occurs.

Observation in qualitative research involves recording notes all throughout the process.
Field notes and observation checklist are used to record data on your thoughts, on what
you see in terms of reactions, concerns, attitudes, behaviors, scenario or description of
situation. The researcher gives her or his analysis and interpretations on what she/he
observes or what going on in the research setting.
Another type of qualitative technique employs interviews on a predetermined research
topic with a small group of people called a focus group. The group should have common

8
www.shsph.blogspot.com
characteristics or interests such as a group of Grade 11 students, an athletic theme or
choral group.

YOUR FINAL TASK

Directions: Complete the table by providing the required information. Write your answers on
your notebook.

Other important
Data Collection Method Tool Used information
(write at least two)
1. Individual interview

2. Group interview

3. Observation

YOUR REINFORCER

DATA COLLECTION
Direction: Answer the following questions thoroughly. The use of additional references is
encouraged.
1. What methods and instruments will you use to gather data to answer your research
problem? Describe them. Remember to cite your references.
2. Why did you choose these methods and instruments?
3. What are the parts of methods and instruments? Include the major variables and
sub-variables.
4. What rating scale will you use? Discuss it in detail.
5. Formulate a question that centers on one of your study variables and sub-variables.
Cite at least five indicators for your chosen variable and sub-variables.

YOUR REFLECTION/S

What are the new things I’ve learned today? How can I apply them in daily life?
Write them in 3-4 sentences on your notebook.

Outstanding! I knew you could do it! You are now ready for
the next adventure. See you again next time!

9
www.shsph.blogspot.com
REFERENCES
Practical Research 1; Basic of Qualitative Research
Author: Miriam Del Rosario- Garcia, Violeta L. Jerusalem, Jonas M. Palencia, Marjueve M.
Palencia

Practical Research for Senior High School 1; Qualitative

Author: Nelia G. Prieto, Ph. D.
Victoria C. Naval, DEM
Teresita G. Carey, D.A.L.L

Practical Research for Senior High School 1

Author: Amando Pangilinan Cristobal, Jr., Ed.D.
Maura Consolacion De La Cruz- Cristobal, Ed. D.

10
www.shsph.blogspot.com
ANSWER KEY

Your Readiness Check

1. Answers may vary
2. Answers may vary
3. Answers may vary
4. Answers may vary
5. Answers may vary
Your Initial Task
1. Answers may vary
2. Answers may vary
3. Answers may vary
4. Answers may vary
5. Answers may vary
Activity 1.
Answers may vary
Activity 2.
Answers may vary
Activity 3.
Answers may vary

Your Final Task

Data Collection Method Tool Used Other Important
Information( write at least
two)
1. Individual Interview Answers may vary Answers may vary

2. Group Interview Answers may vary Answers may vary

3. Observation Answers may vary Answers may vary

Your Final Task

1. Answers may vary
2. Answers may vary
3. Answers may vary
4. Answers may vary
5. Answers may vary
Your Reflection
Answers may vary

11