Start at the Beginning How do we collect information to answer questions?

Collecting Information Three Methods People Generally Use to Collect Information Analyze Content of Objects/Situations Ask Questions Observe Behavior

Collecting Information The research process utilizes data collection techniques that can be classified under each of these commonly used methods. For instance: Content analysis analyzes the content of inanimate objects. Surveys ask written questions of program participants to assess the impact of program on attitudes and self reported behavior. Participant observation outlines how researchers should systematically observe behavior to answer research questions.

Collecting Information Method One Content Analysis Step 1 – Select an Object/Event Step 2 – Look for Patterns (Similarities/Differences) Step 3 – Draw Generalizations Through the Process of Induction

Collecting Information Method One - Example Content Analysis Step 1 – Select newspaper headlines from newspapers across times Step 2 – Are there any patterns in headlines looking across time? Step 3 – Draw Generalizations Through the Process of Induction

Collecting Information Method One - Example Content Analysis Step 1 – Select Newspaper Headlines Step 2 – Notice the way people of color are described varies across time Step 3 – Description of people of color is getting more positive across time

Collecting Information Method Two Asking Questions Step 1 – Select type Survey Pre-test/post-test survey Intensive Interview, etc. Step 2 – Construct indicators Step 3 – Collect data by asking questions Step 4 – Analysis data

Collecting Information Method Two - Example Asking Questions Step 1 – Do pre/post-test surveys Step 2 – Construct questions to ask about attitudes toward education Step 3 – Collect questions about attitudes toward education before participation in program and after participation Step 4 – Use computer program (SAS) to compare differences in attitudes before and after

Collecting Information Method Three Participant Observation Step 1 - Observe behavior Step 2 – Observe patterns of behavior Step 3 - Draw Generalizations based on the Process of Induction

Collecting Information Method Three - Example Participant Observation Step 1 – Observe boys and girls playing Step 2 – Notice that boys play with building blocks and girls play with dolls Step 3 – Boys play with toys that lead to more achievement oriented activities while girls play with toys that lead to more nurturing oriented activities

The Research Process Deciding on how you will collect your information is an important part of the research process and should be done before you begin Please Note: You can use more than one method to collect data for a single project

Questions or Comments, Contact: Dr. Carol Albrecht Assessment Specialist USU Ext carol.albrecht@usu.edu (979) 777-2421