Data Collection

WHAT to consider when selecting the methods of data collection? Structure Structure Quantifiability Quantifiability Obtrusiveness: subject awareness of being studied Obtrusiveness: subject awareness of being studied Objectivity: two researchers same results Objectivity: two researchers same results

Data Collection Methods Self-Report Unstructured Unstructured 1. Unstructured interview 2. Focused interview 3. Focus group interview 4. Life histories 5. Critical incidents 6. Diaries

Structured: Known as Self-Administered Questionnaire (SAQ) SAQ vs. interview: SAQ vs. interview: 1. Cost 2. Anonymity 3. Interviewer bias ++ response biases: it include 1. Response set 2. Acquiescence response (yea Sayers) 3. Nay-Sayers

Observational Methods Unstructured observation: observational data are gathered through a participants observation techniques, inlcude the following phases: Unstructured observation: observational data are gathered through a participants observation techniques, inlcude the following phases: 1. Primarily observation 2. Primarily obs with some participation 3. Primarily participation and some obs 4. Reflective observation Data recoded by using: Logs Logs Field notes: observational, theoretical, methodological, and personal notes Field notes: observational, theoretical, methodological, and personal notes

Structured Observation The behavior or event is defined The behavior or event is defined Systematic planned observation Systematic planned observation Requires creativity in categorizing recording, decoding observations Requires creativity in categorizing recording, decoding observations It include: It include: 1. Category 2. Checklist 3. Rating scale

Biophysiological Methods In Vivo Measures: highly complicated systems. For example, ECG, EEG, Neurological responses In Vivo Measures: highly complicated systems. For example, ECG, EEG, Neurological responses In Vitro Measures: extracting physiological materials and submitting it to the lab. For example In Vitro Measures: extracting physiological materials and submitting it to the lab. For example 1. chimerical (hormonal level) 2. microbiological (bacteria) 3. cytological (tissue biopsy)

Observational Biases Enhancement of contrast effect: - or + Enhancement of contrast effect: - or + Central tendency (converse effect) Central tendency (converse effect) Assimilatory effect: one category Assimilatory effect: one category Halo effect: based on previous info Halo effect: based on previous info Error of leniency: all positive Error of leniency: all positive Error of severity: all negative Error of severity: all negative