Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Collection
Chapter 7
Introduction
The data collection methods used by
researchers need to be objective and systematic.
Objective:
The data must not be influenced by
.anyone who collects the information
Systematic:
The data must be collected in the same
way by everyone who is involved in
.the collection procedure
Operationlization:
Is the process of translating the concepts of
interest into a researcher to observable and
measurable phenomena.
Example:
Measuring anxiety by measuring sweat gland
.activity or by administering an anxiety scale
Measuring Variables of Interest
Physiological.
Observational.
Interviews.
Questionnaires.
1. Objectivity.
2. Precision. (accuracy)
3. Sensitivity.
Disadvantages of using physiological
:data collection methods include
1. Some instruments may be quite expensive
to obtained.
2. Often require specialized knowledge and
training to be used accurately.
3. Just by using them, the variable of interest
may be changed.
4. The presence of some types of devices
might change the measurement.
Example: the presence of a heart rate monitoring device might
.make some patients anxious and increase their heart rate
5. Nearly all types of measuring devices
are affected in some way by the
environment.
6. There may not be a physiological way to
measure the variable of interest.
7. If the device does not really measure
the phenomenon of interest, the validity
of its use is suspect.
Observational Methods
1. Saving time.
2. Allows examination of trends over time.
3. Decreases problems of reactivity and
response set bias.
4. The researcher does not have to ask
individuals to participate in the study
(consent ).
Disadvantages of Records or
:available data
1. Institution are sometimes refuse to allow researchers to
have access to their records.
2. Individuals may be identified by records.
3. The researcher has access only to those records that have
survived.
4. If the records available are not representative of the
possible records, the researcher may have a problem with
bias.
5. Records could be biased such as when studying
socioeconomic factors associated with the suicide rate.
These data are frequently underreported because of the
stigma attached to suicide.
Critiquing criteria