Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 14 Designing and Implementing a Data Collection Plan
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Data Collection Plan—Basic Decision Use of: Existing data Records (e.g., patient charts) Historical data Existing data set for secondary analysis New data, collected specifically for research purposes
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Developing a Data Collection Plan for Quantitative Studies
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Dimensions of Data Collection Approaches Structure Quantifiability Researcher obtrusiveness Objectivity
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Major Types of Data Collection Methods Self-reports Observation Biophysiologic measures
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Converting Qualitative and Quantitative Data Using quantitative data qualitatively— qualitizing the data Using qualitative data quantitatively— quantitizing the data
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Major Steps in Developing a Data Collection Plan—Quantitative Studies Identify data needs Select data collection approach and types of measures Select, adapt, or develop specific instruments Pretest the instrument package Develop data collection forms and procedures
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Identifying Data Needs Examples include data needed to: Test hypotheses or answer research questions Describe sample characteristics Control extraneous variables Analyze potential biases
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Identifying Data Needs (cont’d) Perform manipulation checks Secure administrative information Understand subgroup differences Help interpret results
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Factors That May Affect Decisions in Selecting an Instrument Resources Availability and familiarity of instrument Norms and comparability Population appropriateness Administration issues (special requirements) Reputation of instrument
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Implementing the Data Collection Plan in Quantitative Studies Select research personnel for data collection (e.g., interviewers, observers) Train data collectors Collect data using formal instruments and procedures
Copyright © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Field Issues in Qualitative Studies Gaining trust Pace of data collection Emotional involvement with participants Reflexivity