Tools for Data Collection: Module 6

Tools for Data Collection Module 6  PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS: Create a bubble map on the following concepts. 1. Probability sampling (types) 2. Non- probability sampling (types) 3. Methods of Data Collection in Qualitative Research 4. Types of Validity in Qualitative Research ...

Tools for Data Collection Module 6  PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS: Create a bubble map on the following concepts. 1. Probability sampling (types) 2. Non- probability sampling (types) 3. Methods of Data Collection in Qualitative Research 4. Types of Validity in Qualitative Research LEARNING OBJECTIVE Construct appropriate tools and methods for data collection  1 Sampling 2 Types of Sampling Sub-topics Methods 3 Methods of Data Collection  SAMPLING The process by which a researcher identifies the representative of a population to be used in his/her study.  SAMPLING Flick (2009) outlined areas of the research process where sampling decisions are applied:  Case Sampling  Sampling groups of cases  Material Sampling  Sampling within the material  Presentational sampling  Case Sampling  Identifying your target participants.  Sampling Groups of Cases Determining where you get these participants  Material Sampling Identifying which tools you will use on the participants to collect data  Sampling within the Material  Determining what collected data will you use or analyze  Presentational Sampling  Choosing which data should be used to represent the outcomes of the study  SAMPLING METHODS NON-PROBABILITY PROBABILITY SAMPLING - SAMPLING - this technique this method relies on the is prone to bias due to the researcher’s selection of pre-selection of respondents. respondents on pure chance Below are the types of non- thus, everybody in the probability sampling population participates. techniques (Crossman, 2018). Simple Random Sampling Quota Sampling Systematic Sampling Voluntary Sampling Stratified Sampling Purposive Sampling Cluster Sampling Availability Sampling Snowball Sampling PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS SIMPLE RANDOM SAMPLING  Samples are identified randomly with the help of statistical and mathematical computations. STRATIFIED SAMPLING  The population is divided into different groups/strata based on criteria set by the researcher.  The researcher then randomly identifies individuals from these groups. CLUSTER SAMPLING  This is similar to stratified random sampling, but instead of grouping them based on criteria set by the researchers, the individuals are randomly selected from naturally occurring groups (e.g. sections in a school) MULTI-STAGE SAMPLING  This type of sampling is a combination of stratified random and cluster sampling.  It consists of multiple stages of grouping: First from naturally occurring groups and then groups based on SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING  This method of sampling is the easiest since it only requires the researcher to set a fixed interval to determine the sample.  For example:  In a population of 100 individuals, the researcher can choose to select every 5 th member until he reaches 50 representatives. NON- PROBABILITY SAMPLING METHODS PURPOSIVE SAMPLING  Samples are targeted and selected based on a criterion set by the researcher.  These criteria are based on the research objectives and questions that the study aims to answer For example: A study that wants to study smoking habits would only select individuals who CONVENIENCE/AVAILABILITY SAMPLING  The sampling group is identified by the convenience of the researcher.  Groups are determined based on their availability rather than randomness from the population.  This method of sampling does not guarantee an accurate representation of the population but can be useful in SNOWBALL SAMPLING  The identification of the sample group is accumulative and can come from populations not initially known by the researcher.  For example:  If a researcher wants to study the impact of Alzheimer’s on family members, but they don’t know a lot of patients, they can ask the patients they know for others like them. QUOTA SAMPLING  Very similar to purposive sampling wherein the population is filtered based on a criterion set by a researcher.  However, in quota sampling, they are looking for specific characteristics in individuals that may or may not directly link to the research question/objective (e.g. age, sex, religion) VOLUNTARY SAMPLING Choosing samples who are very much willing to participate as respondents. Methods of Data Collection 1 Observation / Fieldwork 2 Interviews 3 Analysis of Documents and Audio-visual Materials Observation / Fieldwork It is a method that is used when a participant can be observed directly.  Advantages Disadvantages The researcher has first- The researcher may be hand experience with the seen as intrusive participant (annoying/unpleasant) The researcher can “Private” information may record information as it be observed that the occurs researcher cannot report Unusual aspects can be The researcher may not noticed during the have good attending and observation observing skills Useful in exploring topics Certain information (e.g. that are difficult or children may present uncomfortable for the special problems in gaining Observation / Fieldwork There are five types of observation:  Participant  Non-participant  Systematic/Structured  Unstructured  Simple/Contrived Observations Participant Observation  The researcher is immersed for prolonged periods of time in the setting where the participants/phenomenon is to be observed. Non-Participant Observation  This is similar to participant observation except that the researcher is NOT immersed in the setting, or the participants are not aware of the researcher’s presence Structured / Systematic Observation  It is when the researcher establishes specific rules for the observation and schedule  The participant is informed ahead of time of these rules Unstructured Observation  It is the complete opposite of structured observation where there are no rules or guidelines set for the observation.  This allows a more freeform or narrative means of data Simple & Contrived Observation  In both methods, the participant is unaware of the researcher and the researcher does interact or involve themselves in the setting  For simple observations, the researcher cannot change any factors in the setting  For contrived observations, the researcher can change or has control over some factors in the setting. This is useful when the goal is to see how participants react to specified situations Observation Guide Determine the venue  Will the setting be based on who, what, when the observation will take place? Is the venue within your limitations (e.g. logistical and financial consideration)? Prepare how you will enter the field  How will you present yourself (researcher, observer, participant)?  How will you handle issues that arise due to the venue? How about issues involving Identifying the things to observe  What will you look for? (People who stand out, number of people entering/exiting the setting, personal space, behaviors, verbal/non-verbal interactions, or appearance) Prepare means of data collection & what type of data you will collect  What data type will you collect? (notes, videos, audio, formal and informal interviews, counts/frequency, process flows, or lists) Organize your data  Can you capture it quickly and accurately?  What devices can you use?  When will you analyze the data? Define how long the observation is  How long will you need to get the data?  Will this span multiple days? Determine when you will exit  Do you need to revisit? Is your data complete?  Did you thank your participants?  Did you get a contact file of the participants? Interviews Interviews  It is a method that is used when a participant can be interviewed directly.  Advantages Disadvantages Useful when the Provides “indirect” participant cannot be information filtered through directly observed the views of interviewees Historical information Provides information in a can be collected designated “place” rather Allows research than the natural setting “control” over the line of Researcher’s presence may questioning bias responses Not all people are equally articulate (well-spoken) and perceptive (sensitive/responsive) Interviews  There are three types of interviews:  Structured  Unstructured  Semi-structured Structured Interview  These are “oral questionnaires”  The researcher asks a list of predefined questions that only permits limited participant responses Unstructured Interview  This is the opposite of structured interviews.  Participants will be asked one general question and can explain their responses in depth. Further questions will be based on their answers Semi-Structured Interview  The researcher begins with a set of key questions however the participant is given more freedom to explain certain topics. Interview Guide 1. Develop an interview framework by reviewing your research objectives and questions. The guide should ask and answer the following items: What are the main research questions that the interviewees are intended to answer? What are the primary domains of content that should be covered in the interview? What types of data are needed to 2. Develop a guidepost in preparing your interview guide. This should consider the following items: i. Create a flow of topic areas to be discussed ii. Formulate questions that answer your research questions/objectives but are not too specific iii. Try to use language that is easy to understand for the participant iv. DO NOT ask leading questions v. Always ask for a database of personal information, or face sheet, for general (age, gender, etc.) and specific (position, number of years, etc.) information. 3. Prepare different types of questions: introducing, follow-up, probing, specifying, direct, indirect, and interpreting questions. Note that these can be arranged in varying order and should allow time for silence and thinking. 4. Consider the setting, technical requirements, logistics, and practice interviews 5. Identify a successful interviewee. They should be knowledgeable, structured (in terms of response), clear, gentle yet assertive, open, critical, remembering, and able to interpret 6. Plan what to do after an interview. Make notes on how it went, where it took place, feelings about the interview (both the researcher and participants’ perspective), and the setting of the interview. 7. Consider some final tips for the interview such as: i. Prepare for the unexpected interviewee behavior or issues with the setting ii. Be aware and avoid intrusion of biases or expectations iii. Maintain focus in asking questions iv. Be careful when talking about sensitive issues v. Always transcribe information as accurately as possible Analysis of Documents and Audio-visual Materials  It is a method often used as a means of validating data collected through other methods.  It is the analysis of documents or materials to give meaning around an assessment/topic.  Documents and materials can be 1) public records, 2) personal documents, 3) artifacts, 4) video, 5) drawings/pictures  Advantages Disadvantages Written documents are Analyzing documents and manageable and practical audio-visual materials, resources that are “non- while valuable, has reactive”, which allows limitations, including the researcher to review it potential bias, incomplete multiple times information, subjective Documents are common interpretation, and ethical and highly accessible considerations like privacy since it comes in a variety and confidentiality. of forms It is a cost and time- efficient method of data Process of Document Analysis (O’Leary, 2014) 1. Create a list of texts to explore 2. Consider how texts will be accessed with attention to linguistics or cultural barriers 3. Acknowledge and address biases 4. Develop appropriate skills for research 5. Consider strategies for ensuring credibility 6. Know the data to look for 7. Consider ethical issues (e.g. confidentiality & copyright)