Topic: “Checklist” Submitted To Dr. Irum Mushtaq Prepared By Hina Kaynat Department of Education The Islamia University of Bahawalpur

CHECKLIST A checklist, is a list of response categories that respondents check if appropriate. Checklist is a selected list of words, Phrases, Sentences and paragraphs following which an observer records a check mark to denote a presence or absence of whatever is being observed. A basic example is ‘to do list’

Purpose : Checklists are occasionally useful for descriptive purposes. The main purpose of checklist is to call attention to various aspects of an object or situation, to see that nothing of importance is overlooked. Responses to the checklist items are largely a matter of fact, not of judgment. It is an important tool in gathering facts for educational surveys.

Uses : Checklists are used for various purposes.

Hints on Constructing Checklist : Items in the checklist may be continuous or divided into groups of related items. Items should be arranged in categories and the categories in a logical or psychological order. Terms used in the items should be clearly defined. Checklist should be continuous and comprehensive in nature.

Analysis and Interpretation of Checklist Data : The tabulation and quantification of checklist data is done from the responses. Frequencies are counted, percentages and averages calculated, central tendencies, measures of variability and co-efficient of correlation completed as and when necessary. In long checklists, where related items are grouped together category wise, the checks are added up to give total scores for the category wise total scores can be compared between themselves or with similar scores secured through other studies.

Merits : Students can measure their own behaviour with the help of checklist. Easy and simple to use and frame the tools. Wanted and unwanted behaviours can be included. Personal - Social development can be checked.

Limitations : Only the presence or absence of the ability can be tested. Yes or no type judgment can only be given. How much cannot be tested through checklist. For Example, you want to test the story telling still of a student. You can check only whether the student developed or not developed the skill but you cannot study how much he has developed?

Conclusion: The conclusions from checklist data should be arrived at carefully and judiciously keeping in view the limitations of the tools and respondents. When we want to check ‘yes’ or ‘no’ of any ability, checklist is used. Check Your Progress - Q.1 Prepare a checklist for any skill.

Reference Books : Siddhu Kulbir Singh (1992). Methodology of Research in Education, Sterling Publisher, NewDelhi. Sukhia S. P. and Mehrotra P. V. (1983). “Elements of educational Research” Allied Publisher Private Limited New Delhi Denscombe, Martyn (1999). “The Good Research Guide” Viva Books Private Limited, New Delhi.