PREPARING AND

IMPLEMENTING
RESEARCH
INSTRUMENTS
 A tool used to gather
data on a specific topic
of interest.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 General Guidelines in Preparing an
Instrument
1. Do a preliminary research by visiting your library or checking online sources.
2. Talk to a person who is knowledgeable in preparing research instruments.
3. Master the guidelines in preparing the administering each type of instrument.
4. Clarify your research questions. Be sure that your instruments will directly address
your specific research questions.
5. Based on the data you need, decide on the number of people whom you want as
respondents or participants.
6. Prepare the instrument using the appropriate format. Get model instruments, if
necessary. You may visit Google Scholar to get samples of your intended instrument.
7. Edit your instrument.
8. Pilot your instrument to further improve its quality. After receiving the feedback
from your pilot, make the necessary revisions.
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
TYPES OF
INSTRUMENTS
Interview
An instrument that allows
the researcher to
qualitatively gather data.
Responses during an
interview are usually open-
ended.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Different stages in an interview

»Pre-interview stage – It is when an interview guide is

prepared and respondents are
identified and contacted.
»Warm-up stage - It is the initial part of the interview
when questions that will make
respondents more at ease are asked.
»Main interview stage – when the main questions directly
related to the research questions are
asked.
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Different stages in an interview

»Closing stage – It is when questions are asked to wind down

the interview and respondents are
acknowledged and thanked.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Questionnaire

It lists written questions to get

specific information.

Responses in a questionnaire are

usually dichotomous and use an
identification type of test.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
Parts of a Questionnaire
»Personal information section – includes the name
(optional), age, date of birth, address, educational
background and other personal information about the
respondent. Note that only personal information relevant
to the study should be asked.
»Basic questions section – serves two purposes. The first
one is to establish that the person you are asking is the
right person for the study. The second purpose
(applicable to interview) is to establish rapport with the
interviewees.
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
»Main questions section – contains questions that are
directly related to your research.
»Open-ended questions section – asks for a brief
explanation or response to an open-ended question.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
Guidelines in Preparing a Questionnaire
o Introduce the questionnaire through a cover letter. The cover
letter should explain the purpose and relevance of the study,
the length of time in completing the questionnaire, how the
data will be processed, your contact details, and expected
date and time in completing the questionnaire.
o Keep the questionnaire as short as possible by focusing only
on the essential questions.
o Ensure confidentiality of information.
o Pilot questionnaire to ensure that you have not missed any
important question.
o Use a follow-up reminder. BEST FOR You
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 Guidelines in Preparing a Questionnaire

o Give respondents sufficient time to answer the questionnaire.

o Make all directions and questions clear and unequivocal; do not use words
with double meanings or complex questions.
o Ensure that your grammar is correct.
o Use questions that will elicit objective responses as much as possible
o Make the questionnaire as brief as possible without sacrificing the content.
o Arrange and categorize the questions logically.
o Relate all questions to your research topic and make sure the responses
drawn out are sufficient for your analysis.
o Try to make as many questions as possible without being redundant.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
Guidelines in Preparing a Questionnaire

oAvoid embarrassing, unnecessary questions.

oExplain and illustrate difficult questions.
oState all questions affirmatively.
oMake the respondents anonymous, if necessary.
oAvoid biased and leading questions.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
Observation
oAllows the description in a naturalistic or laboratory
setting.
oThis instrument is used to cross-validate the result of
other instrument.
oIt is most useful when the answers to research
questions require description of behavior and setting
and when the respondents cannot literally answer
interview questions and questionnaire for some valid
reasons such as inability to speak and write.
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Types of Observation

» Participant and Non-

participant Observation

» Structured and unstructured

Observation

» Covert and Overt Observation

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Participant and Non-Participant
Observation
» A non-participant type of observation allows the
researcher to observe subjects without
interacting with them. This type of observation is
usually employed by psychologists when
observing animal and children.
» A participant type of observation, on the other
hand, allows the researcher to interact actively
with the subjects. In some cases, researchers
immerse themselves in group or community for a
long period of time.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Structured and Unstructured
Observation
» Structured Observation occurs
when the researcher has a list of
behaviors that he/she wants to
observe
» Unstructured Observation on the
other hand, occurs when the
researcher allows behaviors to
emerge. These behaviors are then
documented through an in-depth
narrative account.
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Covert and Overt Observation

» Covert Observation occurs when the

subjects are not aware that they are being
observed.
» Overt Observation occurs when the
subjects are aware that they are being
observed.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Guidelines in Conducting an Observation

1. Develop an observation guide or checklist which identifies

the phenomenon the phenomenon you want to
understand.
2. Decide on the type of observation.
3. Know your limitations as an observer.
4. Use a recording device when appropriate.
5. Always bring paper and pen with you to record other
details which cannot be recorded by a video or audio
recorder.
6. Never attempt to influence the behavior of your subjects.
7. Always observe ethics when implementing an observation
instrument.
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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
 Experiment

» An experiment is a procedure undertaken

scientifically and systematically to make a discovery
and to test hypothesis.
» Steps:
1. Make observations.
2. Develop the hypothesis.
3. Design the experiment.
4. Conduct the experiment. Replicate the experiment
to ensure the reliability of the results.
5. Analyze the results.
6. Decide on whether to accept or reject the
hypothesis based on the results. BEST FOR You
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 Guidelines in Conducting an Experiment

1. Always coordinate with a laboratory technician or

supervisor when doing an experiment.
2. Make yourself present and accessible during an
experiment.
3. Maintain a relaxed and professional atmosphere.
4. Clean the experiment venue (e.g., laboratory) as you
leave
5. Never coerce any participants in your experiment.

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y
6. If you need participants in your experiment,
let them fill out an informed consent form (ICF)
beforehand. It is a document proving that the
participant voluntarily and willingly participated
in the experiment.
7. Ensure the safety of everyone involved at all
times.
8. Ensure the anonymity of participants.
9. Ensure the confidentiality of all gathered data

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O R G A N I C S C O M P A N Y