Data collection Initial thoughts

Aims of the session Be able to decide on a sampling strategy for your research To consider any ethical implications for your study To consider different methods of data collection Be aware of how to design an effective questionnaire

Terminology Primary and secondary data Primary = you collect yourself Secondary = existing data Quantitative and qualitative data Quantitative = numbers Qualitative = words/opinions Validity and reliability Validity = results that try to produce a true picture Reliability = method that can be repeated and should produce the same results

What methods could you use to collect primary data? .

What methods could you use? To establish how successful a year 3 reading scheme has been since introduction a year ago To examine the feasibility of introducing a buddy scheme in school for next Sept. To assess the impact of physical activity on concentration levels

Selection of participants or sampling

Selection of participants A sampling method is about how participants are identified NOT about who eventually takes part All sampling methods aim to produce a representative sample but are inevitably biased Why?

Sampling methods Opportunity sample Selecting those people that are available Volunteer sample Ask for people wanting to take part Random sample Draw names out of a hat Systematic sample Selecting every 10th person on a list Stratified sample Selecting equal boys and girls What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Selection of participants A sampling method is about how participants are identified NOT about who eventually takes part All sampling methods aim to produce a representative sample but are inevitably biased Why?

Ethical considerations in research

Would you interview someone in the toilets? In what other situations in school/college would you not think it suitable to survey/interview them?

Main issues to consider: Rights of privacy of individuals Voluntary nature of participation Has consent been given Confidentiality of data provided Data collection methods Data analysis and reporting Behaviour and objectivity of the researcher

Research tensions Misleading people Disruption to regular activities Inclusion of sensitive topics Publishing results and the consequences How to ensure confidentiality What will happen to your research records at the end of your project?

Is your proposed research likely to cause any ethical difficulties? Consider what these might be .......and how you might address them

For your own research consider: Primary/Secondary data methods Sampling methods to be used Start on your project proposal & development plan

Design a questionnaire – some initial thoughts

Questionnaires A questionnaire is a set of questions designed to collect information about a topic Definitions: Closed question Open question Structured interview Unstructured interview

Example of questionnaire results 50 products that changed the world – as reported in the Eureka Magazine, The Times April 2011 8 Viagra 7 First games console 6 Breast implants 5 First mobile phone 4 AK-47 gun 3 Betamax video 2 The Pill 1 Apple Mac computer Who conducted the questionnaire – Playboy magazine

Questionnaires A questionnaire is a set of questions designed to collect information about a topic Writing good questions: Clarity Free from bias Easy to analyse Logical ordering Complete a pilot study so that your questions can be tested on a small group of people

Asking questions in the right way How satisfactory was your experience of the parents evening? What is your place of residence Some people say that the council is spending too much on building new schools. Do you agree or disagree? Do you think schools should spend more class time on reading and maths? What is your age? Is the time given for reading in school adequate? To what extent is the school spending too much time on phonics What do you think of the OfSTED good practice guide on Maths in Primary Schools?

General rules Explain the purpose of the questionnaire Keep questions as simple as possible Do not use jargon/specialist language Ensure only one meaning Avoid vague descriptive language – large, adequate Only ask one question at once Avoid leading or value-laden questions Avoid insensitive questions Avoid difficult questions

Questionnaires Start to design questions that you could use to collect data for your research Try them out on your neighbour to see if they will obtain the answer that you were expecting! What other factors would you need to consider when you are planning to conduct a questionnaire / survey?