1. Data collection Initial thoughts

2. 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

3. 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

4. What methods could you use to collect primary data?.

5. 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

6. Selection of participants or sampling

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. Ethical considerations in research

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

12. 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

13. 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?

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

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

16. Design a questionnaire – some initial thoughts

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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?

21. 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

22. 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?