Methods of Data Collection

Six Major Methods of Data Collection: Tests, Interviews, Questionnaires, Focus Groups, Observation, CONSTRUCTED, SECONDARY, and EXISTING DATA.

• true

• false

Two or more of the different methods of data collection are used

• INTERMETHOD MIXING

• INTRAMETHOD MIXING

Both quantitative and qualitative data are obtained through the creative use of a single method

• INTRAMETHOD MIXING

• INTERMETHOD MIXING

both open ended and standardized closed ended items

• Mixed questionnaire

• INTRAMETHOD MIXING

Commonly used in quantitative research to measure attitudes, personality, self-perceptions, aptitude, and performance of research participants

• Tests

• Standardized test

most common type; include psychometric info on reliability, validity, norms

• Standardized test

• Tests

Although many tests are available for use, experimental researchers sometimes need to construct their own tests to measure very specific constructs that are operationalized in unique ways. TESTS  It is possible to construct a qualitative (or mixed) version of a test (e.g. Rorschach Test, TAT)

• true

• false

Technology and Tests  Ease of administration  Ability to program complex sequences of questions

• advantage

• disadvantage

Technology  and Tests  Lack of researcher effects because no researcher is present  You may not know who is taking the test and what other activities the participant is engaging in that might affect his/her performance

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

A self-report data-collection instrument that each research participant completes as part of a research study

• QUESTIONNAIRE

• SURVEY