Data Collection

Data collection

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Data Collection

Jacky Griffith/Anji Waring

Faculty of Health and Social Work

Methods of Data Collection

Objectives:

To describe different methods of data collection

To discuss the strengths and limitations of the different methods

Data Collection

Existing data

New data

Biophysiological tests

Self report data

Observation data

Data Collection

Dimensions of quantitative data

Structured

Quantifiable

Objective

Biophysiologic and physical variables

In vivo – performed on or with people or living organisms

In vitro – data gathered and then subject to laboratory analysis

◦ Gives absolute values

◦ Tend to be accurate

◦ Easily standardised

Self Report Methods

Unstructured – qualitative approach

Structured - quantitative approach

Instrument: questionnaire or interview schedule

May use tool such as GHQ, BDI which are common to a lot of studies

May design new tool which needs validating

May design something specific to this study eg survey questionnaire

Can be done by interview with interviewer coding responses, questionnaire given out by researcher, by post

Questionnaires/Scales

Tools or instruments designed to measure or explore specific issues or attitudes - not just a set of questions.

Types: Questions : -

◦ Closed questions

◦ Open questions

Response Categories:-

◦ Likert

◦ Visual analogue

Questionnaire Design

Aim:

◦ To measure what intend to measure

◦ To ensure respondent can complete the questionnaire.

Consider:

◦ wording

◦ information level required

◦ format of questions

◦ response categories

◦ length of questionnaire

◦ method of administration

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

less costly

access large sample

distance

anonymity

less threatening

data easy to analyse

Limitations

response rate

coverage

ability to complete

social desirability

Interviews

Types:

structured

semi-structured

unstructured

Method

face to face

telephone

Practical Considerations

Design of interview schedule

Training of interviewers

Place of interview

Timing of interview

Recording the information collected

◦ manually

◦ audiotape

◦ videotape

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

quick results

clarification

response rate

additional information

less superficial

Limitations

practicalities

expensive

analysis

bias

social desirability

Observation

When

aim to describe what happening in setting

need overview of activity/behaviour

establish main issues as prelude to further work.

Target Areas

individual characteristics

non-verbal communication

type of verbal communication

behaviour

Types

Practical considerations

Planning

◦ structured /unstructured

◦ what to sample

◦ when to sample

◦ how to record

◦ time available

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

first hand recording

control over data collected

Limitations

difficult to arrange

observer bias

time

Hawthorne effect

training

Pilot Studies

Small scale version of the main study.

Time & cost built into the proposal

Carried out prior to main study to:

◦ test new methods

◦ check feasibility of design

◦ ensure appropriateness of sample

◦ identify potential pitfalls

Modify aspects of main study according to results from pilot

Triangulation

Use of more than one method for collecting or interpreting data

Types:

Methodological

Theoretical

Data

Investigator