Research methodology Data Collection tools and Techniques.

1- What data do you need to collect ? Research methodology Selection of data collection Techniques and tools . 2- How do we collect the data? Research methodology . Plan for data collection.

What is data collection technique ? DCT is a technique that allows researcher to systematically collect information about the study population (People, objects, phenomena…etc) and the settings in which they occur. There are many different ways to collect data. The approach selected depends on:- - The study objectives, The study design, and The availability of time, money and personnel.

What is data collection technique ? It also depends on whether the study is intended to produce relatively precise quantitative findings or to produce qualitative descriptive

Methods of Data Collection ( Techniques) Observation: Review records. observing signs. Weighing. Measuring. Checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure. Microscopic examination etc. Case Study. Life history. Mapping.

Methods of Data Collection ( Techniques) Asking: Interviewing (face to face). Administering written questionnaires. Conducting focus group discussions. Nominal group technique (discussion – voting).

What is data collection tools DCT are the tools applied in data collection. A particular technique can involve different tools Data collection tools Questionnaire. Weighing scale. Measuring tape. Sphygmomanometer. Observation checklists. Microscope.

The table below shows the techniques for collecting the data according to the type of data Qualitative data Quantitive data No. In-depth interview Structured interview 1 Focus group discussion Services statistics 2 Direct observation of operations Self-administered questionnaire 3 Secondary data sources 4

Quantitative Data 1- Structured interview The most common means used for collecting quantitative data on people is structured interviews. Studies that obtain data by interviewing people are called surveys. Questionnaire design In designing a questionnaire: questions may take two general forms: Open ended ( or free response) question, in which the respondent answers in his own words, for example why did you stop smoking? and provide space for writing the answer. Closed ended question: a question, which the respondent is asked to select his/her answer from among a list provided by the investigator.

In designing a questionnaire there are several points to remember in writing the questions Use simple language that will be understood by respondents. Start with easier questions, moving on to the ones that are more sensitive or difficult to answer only after the respondent has been an opportunity to become accustomed to the interview situation. Try to avoid embarrassing or painful questions. Avoid asking more than one item of information in a single question. Do not overload the questionnaire with items that are not essential for your study, keep it as short as possible. Avoid biased questions for example:- diarrhea leads to dehydration, isn't it ? Ask all respondents' each question in exactly the same way. Pretest the questionnaire in an actual field situation .

B) Interviewing: In interviewing the member of the research team asks the questions verbally and records the respondent's answers. Importance of interviewers: Achieve a completion rate of at least 80 – 85% percent of the sample. The presence of an interviewer generally decreases the number of (don't know) (no answer). Interviewer can also provide a guard against confusing questionnaire items If the respondent clearly miss-understands the question or indicates that he doesn't understand, the interviewer can clarify matters, thereby abstaining relevant responses.

Interviewing rules : The interviewer should be a neutral medium through which questions and answers are transmitted. The interviewer should treat all respondents similar. The interviewer should have acceptable and good interpersonal skills. The interviewer must be relaxed and friendly with the respondent . The interviewer must have the ability to determine very quickly the kind of person that the respondent would most enjoy talking to. The interviewer should be familiar with the questionnaire by studying it carefully, reading it two or three times to be able to read it to the respondents without error, without stumbling over words and phrase.

Interviewing rules : 7- The interviewer should follow question wording exactly and not use her own words. 8- The interviewer should record responses exactly whenever questionnaire contains open- ended questions, but the interviewer should add marginal comment. 9- The interviewer should isolate the respondent during the interview, if others are present, the answers my be influenced .

Focus group Discussion Focus group discussion is away of reducing amount of time and personnel required for conducting and analyzing in-depth interviews and yet getting detailed qualitative information from relatively large respondents. Setting up focus group: In setting up focus group discussion the researcher must make a number of decisions, these include : Determining the number of group needed as follow : Determining the focus group composition : Determining the length of the focus group discussion: Determining the size of the focus group: Determining the group setting : The topic guide :

Focus group Discussion The focus group moderator : Personal characteristics The ability to feel at ease and comfortable with other people . The ability to convey warmth and sympathy. Good listening skills . - Experience and background : - A moderator is not a teacher . A moderator is not a judge . A moderator does not look down on respondents . A moderator does not agree or disagree with what is said . A moderator does not put words in the respondents mouths .

The observers ( reporters )

Structure of the group discussion: Introduction : moderator opening to explain the general purpose of the group warm up: To enable group members to know each other . To give all respondents an opportunity to speak . Body of the group discussion : To move from the general to the specific . To obtain a depth of response to key issues . To obtain members true feelings about topic . Closure : To summarize key ideas . To identify individual differences of opinions . To gather all respondents comments . 2- Individual depth interview : 3- Direct observation of operation :

PLAN OF DATA COLLECTION 1- Type and number of data collection tools needed. (questionnaires, measuring tapes, weighing scales, sphygmomanometers…) 2- Categories and number of data collecting personnel(doctors,nurses, nutritionists, sociologist etc). 3- Duration and content of training needed. 4- Schedule for data collection (Selection of personnel, training, preparation of tools, preparation of logistics, starting date, closing date). (5- Logistical support (Vehicles, fuel, lubricants, food, drinks 6- Estimated budget for data collection ( budget for tools, (budget for training, budget for logistics

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