Research Instruments PP

PREPARING
RESEARCH
INSTRUMENTS
Research Instrument
- A tool used to gather data
on a specific topic of
interest
- Must be valid and reliable
VALID – must directly
answer or address the
research question
RELIABLE – provides
consistent and stable data
over a period of time
Guidelines in
Preparing a
Research Instrument
1. Do preliminary research.
2. Make sure the instruments match or
directly address the specific research
questions.
3. Decide on the number of people as
respondents.
4. Prepare the instrument using the
proper format. Get model
instruments.
5.Edit your instrument.
6. Pilot your instrument to
improve its quality.
7. Revise after receiving
feedback from the pilot
test.
Types of Research
Instruments
SURVEY
 Contains planned questions
which are used to measure
attitudes, perceptions and
opinions
 Could be in a form of an
interview or a questionnaire
3 TYPES OF QUESTIONS IN A SURVEY:
1. Recall Type – asks for specific
information such as age, address
etc.
2. Recognition type – asks for a
response to a specific question (
with options)
3. Open-ended type – elicits brief
explanations or impressions from
the respondent
INTERVIEW
An instrument that allows
the researcher to
qualitatively gather data.
Responses are usually
open – ended.
Stages of an Interview
1. Pre- interview stage
 interview guide is
prepared
 identifying and contacting
respondents
2. Warm – up stage
 light questions are asked to
make respondents feel at ease
3. Main interview stage
 Main questions directly related
to research questions are
asked
4. Closing stage
Questions are asked to
wind down the interview
Respondents are
acknowledged and
thanked.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Lists written questions to
get specific information
responses are dichotomous
and use an identification
type of test
Parts of a Questionnaire
1. Personal Information Section
 Includes the name (optional), age,
date of birth, address, educational
background and other personal
information about the respondent.
This should include only personal
information related to the research
study.
2. Basic Questions section
Establishes that the
respondent is the right
person for the study
Establish rapport with the
respondents
3. Main Questions section
Contains questions
directly related to your
research
4. Open –ended questions
section
Asks for a brief explanation
or response to an open
ended question
Guidelines in Preparing a
Questionnaire
1. Introduce the questionnaire with a
cover letter. This should explain the
purpose and relevance of the study,
length of time in completing the
questionnaire, how the data will be
processed, and contact details of the
researchers.
2. Keep the questionnaire as short as
possible by focusing only on the
essential questions.
3. Avoid biased and leading questions.
4. Make all directions and questions
clear.
5. Relate all questions to the research
topic.
6. State all questions affirmatively.
OBSERVATION
 Allows the description of behavior in a
naturalistic or laboratory setting
 Used to cross-validate other instruments
 Most useful when the respondents cannot
literally answer interview questions and
questionnaire for some valid reasons such
as inability to read and write ( example
infants)
Types of Observation
1. Non - participant observation
 Allows the researcher to observe the
subjects without interacting with
them.
 Subjects do not know they are being
observed
 Used by psychologists in observing
animals and children
2. Participant
observation
Allows the researcher to
interact actively with the
subjects
3. Structured observation
 the researcher has a list of
behaviors that he/she wants to
observe
4. Unstructured observation
 the researcher allows behaviors to
emerge. These behaviors are then
documented through an in-depth
narrative account
5. Covert observation
the subjects are not aware
that they are being
observed
6. Overt observation
the subjects are aware that
they are being observed
Guidelines in Conducting an
Observation
1. Develop an observation guide or
checklist.
2. Decide on the type of
observation to use.
3. Know your limitations as an
observer.
4. Use a recording device when
appropriate.
5. Always bring a paper and pen
with you to record details which
cannot be recorded by a recording
device.
6. Never attempt to influence the
behavior of your subjects.
7. Always observe ethics.
EXPERIMENT
a procedure undertaken
scientifically and systematically
to make a discovery and test a
hypothesis
 can be performed in a
laboratory or natural setting
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 participants in
your experiments.
6. Ensure the safety of everyone
involved at all times.
7. Let participants fill out an
informed consent form ( ICF)
before letting participants join.
This document proves that the
participant voluntarily and
willingly participated in the
experiment.
8. Ensure the anonymity of
participants.
9. Ensure the confidentiality
of all gathered data.

Research Instruments PP

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PREPARING

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