Unit-IX Samples sampling measurement tools, instruments

Objectives: Define the term population sample and sampling. Identify and select various soft wares to calculate sample size according to particular type of research. Discuss types of measurement tools for collecting data from quantitative, qualitative and outcome research. Differentiate between interview guide and interview schedule

Measurement tools Measurement tools are instruments used by researchers to aid in the assessment of participants. The instruments are used to measure or collect data on a variety of variables ranging from physical functioning to psychosocial wellbeing. Types of measurement tools include scales, interviews, structured questioner and informal observations.

Data collection Data collection is precise, systematic, gathering of information relevant to the research purpose or the specific objective, questions, or hypotheses of a study. Measurement is a research tool. Scientific problem solving involves four steps 1. Developing the problem; 2. Formulating the hypotheses; 3. Gathering the data; 4. Analyzing and interpreting results.) Step 3 necessitates an understanding of measurement

Study variables are measured by a Variety of techniques Mail, Telephone, Face to face interviews Hospital records Self-administered Before writing the questions, the researcher must decide which of these methods will be used.

1. Sources of Data 2. Form of Data 3. Amount of Data 4. Accuracy/Reliability of Data 5. Design Fit

Sources of Data Two broad categories: 1. Primary Data = information obtained exclusively for current research 2. Secondary Data = archival or previously recorded information

Advantages of Primary data Collection Based on researcher's need Control over measurement selection and execution

Advantages of Secondary data collection Little cost or time required to access data Not confined to immediate level or unit of analysis

Form of data Self-Report Data Subject provides account of attitude, opinion, memory, personal characteristics, or circumstances Examples: Surveys/Questionnaires Interviews

Amount of Data Determine amount of data needed to conduct study Data sources, time periods, and number of participants (sample) Involves sampling techniques

Archival Data Previously collected data Examples: Prior research Procedural documents

The data related to a study focus can be collected from the following means:  Questionnaire  Checklist  Interview  Observation  Records  Experimental Approach

Use validated questioner from of other research that similar topics Find out through literature review about similar topics Do not include questions those questions which you ‘just like to know’

Open-ended response Allow subjects to answer the question, without any restrictions imposed by the questionnaire's designer.

Close-ended response Limits the answers which subject gives, requiring a choice of one or more of the answers provided by the questionnaire. Example: there has been a great deal of concern about the rising cost of food. How do you handle the problem of rising food cost?”  purchase cheaper types of foods  Substitute other types of food in your diet  Purchase large amounts of items which is on sale  Eat at restaurants less  Invite fewer people over to eat a meal at your house

Checklist These are items that comprise several questions on a topic and require the same response format.

Interview

Interview Guide

Interview Schedule A interview schedule is a interview with pre-coded question to produce quick and easy quantitative data which is high in reliability. A set of questions which are asked by interviewer and filled in on the given space in a face to face interaction with another person.

Records A record refers to all the numbers and statistics that institutions, organizations and people keep as a record of their activities. Sources 1.Census data 2.2. Educational records 3.3. Hospital/clinic records

Experimental Approach A powerful design for testing hypothesis of causal relationships among variables. Researcher controls the independent variable & watches the effect on the dependent variable. Two Groups of Experimental Approach 1.Treatment / Experimental group 2. Control group

Thank you ?