Summary 3 – Instrumentation 1 (Questionnaires)

What is Data?

The term data refers to the kind of information researches obtain on the subjects of their research. An important decision for every researcher to make during the planning phase of an investigation therefore is what kind of data she/he intends to collect.

What is instrumentation?

The device (such as a pencil-and-paper test, a questionnaire, or a rating scale) the researcher uses to collect data is called an instrumentation. Generally, the whole process of preparing to collect data is called instrumentation.

Four important key questions are:

a)      Where – the location of the data collection

b)      When – the time of collection

c)      How often – the frequency of collection, eg : once?twice?

d)      Who – the administration of the instruments. Who is to collect the data?

Considerations of using a valid instrumentation

Validity – the defensibility of the inferences researchers make from the data collected through the use of an instrument.

Reliability – one that gives consistent results

Objectivity – the absence of subjective judgements (should avoid the subjective judgements)

Usability- a number of practical considerations face every researcher.

Examples of Data-Collection Instruments

i)                    Researcher completes – Eg: Rating scales, interview schedules, observation forms, tally sheets, flowcharts, performance checklists, anecdotal records, time-and-motion logs.

ii)                  Subject completes – Eg: Questionnaires, self-checklist, attitude scales, personality/character inventories, achievement/aptitude tests, performance tests, projective devices, sociometric devices

QUESTIONNAIRES

·         The subjects respond to the questions by writing or more commonly by marking an answer sheet.

·         The advantage of questionnaires is that they can be mailed or given to large numbers of people at the same time.

·         The disadvantage is that unclear or seemingly ambiguous questions cannot be clarified, and the respondent has no chance to expand on or react verbally to a question of particular interest or importance.

·          Selections items on questionnaires are multiple-choice, true-false, matching, or interpretive-exercise questions.

Reference:

 Fraenkel J.R., & Wallen N.M.(2010). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education,7,109-145.