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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Questions or Comments, Contact:
Dr. Carol Albrecht
Assessment Specialist USU Ext
(979)