2. Introduction
Data are the observable and measurable facts
that provide information about the
phenomenon under study
Primary and secondary data
3. Interview
Questioning
Observation
Bio physiological measurements
Psychosocial measurement scales
Record analysis
4. CONCEPT
Data collection involves gathering relevant
data in order to achieve an answer to the
problem stated. There are various methods of
data collection which can be used by the
investigator depending upon the nature of
study undertaken.
5. PURPOSES OF DATA
COLLECTION
identify variables/facts
measure variable/ phenomena
describe behaviour
obtain empirical evidence (objective, reliable,
valid)
Data is meaningless as by itself it does not
explain or cause change, information does.
Therefore, the aim of gathering and summarizing
data is to transform this into information in order to:
6. FIVE ‘W’s OF DATA COLLECTION
What data to collect? (Consideration on type of
data)
From whom data is to be collected
Who will collect data
From where the data will be collected
When is the data to be collected
7. The number of data to be collected will depend
on:
Type of study
Hypothesis to be tested
Number of variables
Type of statistical computation
In an experimental study the number will also be
determined by the number of experimental and
control groups. One needs also to consider the
method of administration, the nature of treatment
and the schedule.
8. SOURCES OF DATA
Documentary- primary and secondary
Field sources
Include living persons who have a fund of
knowledge about or have been in intimate contact
with social conditions and changes over a
considerable period of time.
These people are in a position to describe not only
the existing state of affairs but also the observable
trends and significant milestones in a social
process.
9. HISTORICAL DATA
These consist of documents and various
historical sources to which the historian himself
has access.
Materials of cultural history and analytical
history.
Personal sources of authentic observers and
witnesses.
These can be oral, written evidence, artifacts
etc.
Historical data is a combination of primary &
secondary and field sources.
10. Methods and tools
Methods- steps or strategies
Technique- means of gathering data with the
use of specific tools that are used in given
methods
Instrument/ tools- instrument is a device used
to measure the concept that researcher uses
to collect data
11. TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS
Observation Observation check
list (structured
unstructured)
Rating scales,
anecdotes
Machineries, i.e.
Video tape/ Films,
electrocardiogram,
closed circuit T.V.
TOOLS
Instrument procedure
TECHNIQUES
Method of collecting
data
13. Biophysical
measurements.
Interview
In vivo
In vitro
Physical
measurements –
e.g. temperature
Chemical
measurements- e.g.
hormone, sugar
Microbiological
measurements-e.g.
bacterial count
Interview Schedule
15. Selection of methods of data
collection
Nature of phenomenon under study
Type of research subjects
Type of research study
Purpose
Size of sample
Distribution of target population
Time frame of study
Literacy level of the subjects
Availability of resources and manpower
Researchers knowledge level and competence
16. Criteria of evaluation/ assessment
of collection methods
Accuracy and completeness
Compatibility with educational level, socio
cultural values and beliefs
In accordance with nature of phenomenon,
purpose, time frame and resources
17. RECORD ANALYSIS
Records are compilation of writings and figures that
individuals have collected.
Records are a valuable and lucrative source of
nursing research data.
Records are ever-present source of material.
Records are found everywhere in homes, offices,
places of leisure, hospitals, museum (Relics &
artifacts), personal diaries and letters, speeches,
Articles, documents etc.
Records are available in every department,
institution, organizations & Individuals.
Data sources may be primary or secondary.
INTRODUCTION
18. ADVANTAGES
Records are unbiased collected.
Records cover a long period of times, therefore
research can discover events and trends.
Records are inexpensive. All available at one
time.
Records are convenient & time saving and
available in their pure form, complied in neat
and orderly fashioned. Records provide readily
available data.
Researcher can not bias the subjects as the
records have been already collected.
19. Existence of large quantity of records allows
researcher a considerable choice of data.
Data are obtained by an unobtrusive method
Records can provide personal information about
subjects, beliefs, attitudes and feelings
concerning the topic of interest.
Records don’t rely on recall but were recorded
when they occurred.
20. DISADVANTAGES
Amount of information is limited to what is
available. Researcher can not get more data as
subjects are not present. If record is incomplete,
no way to complete it.
No one sure under which conditions data were
collected. Was more than one person involved in
compilation? How careful they were to handle
facts & figures.
No assurance of accuracy of the records,
People who presented the original records were
not aware whether it would be used for research.
Therefore, researcher has to admit any error into
the study that was built in the original records.
21. Some serious draw backs may be there in data
recording. For e.g. the person who recorded the
data may not have recorded adequately.
Search for very old records and extracting
information from records may be time
consuming.
Requesting people who are not involved in the
research work to provide records, may be
intrusion into their work schedule.
22. PROBLEMS
Permission has to be sought from concerned
People to study records.
Difficult to trace if not kept in order & well
organised.
Authorities/ Concerned people/ Officer may not
like their records to be disturbed for the fear of
misplacing, pulling out information (loss of
paper from files)
Organisation/ Institution may not like anyone to
go through their pvt. Files other than selected
individuals.
23. Researcher will require help to retrieve the
data.
Researcher may require interpretation of
records (Meaning of words, symbols, figures
etc)
Records research may be a disagreeable task
as records are stored in basements, stores,
boxes etc. Seems difficult to locate & find
records for the period needed.
Another problem with records is item
equivalency. Are records based on same
criteria ? Records from two institutions may
not have data on a particular variable in the
same manner.
24. Some records are seldom used after their
compilation. People who compiled might have
died or left the institution or moved away. So
value of such records is forgotten and for all
practical purposes they are lost.
Organizations may give permission to use
records provided a copy of final research
report is given to them.
It is important to maintain anonymity,
privacy, truth and accuracy and a
consideration for the personal preferences of
the individuals involved.
25. GUIDELINES IN USE OF RECORDS
Both primary & secondary sources of data can
be used. Prefer primary source
Essential to establish authenticity, accuracy,
validity & reliability of data sources (external
and internal criticism)
26. QUESTIONNAIRE
Most common research instrument
It is a paper-pencil approach to data collection
Can be used with some other tools too in a
single study
Comprised of a series of questions that are filled
in by all subjects in the sample.
May be distributed to subjects in the classroom,
on the streets, on campus, home or at work;
Can be mailed to those who live in a large
geographical area as it is expensive and time
consuming to reach individuals directly.
27. PURPOSES
To elicit information from subjects to
supplement findings
Explore a new topic
Assess knowledge, attitude, practices, beliefs,
opinions & feelings.
28. ADVANTAGES
Relatively simple method of collecting data.
Items can be constructed easily by beginning
researcher.
Rapid and efficient method of gathering data
Collect data from a widely scattered
population
Inexpensive to distribute
Easy to tabulate data from close ended items
Respondents can remain anonymous
Simple procedure to explore a new topic
Easiest tool to test for validity & reliability
29. Questionnaire can be flexible concerning type
of item, order of items and topics covered by
the researcher.
Subjects have time to contemplate their
response to each question
Measurement is enhanced because all
subjects respond to the same questions.
Easy accomplishment of data analysis and
interpretation.
30. DISADVANTAGES
Inability to probe a topic in-depth unless the
questionnaire is lengthy.
Respondents may omit or disregard any item
that they choose without giving any explanation
Some items may force subjects to choose
response that are not their actual choice
(Forced-choice items).
Amount of information gathered is limited by
subjects’ time & interest span. Usually people
don’t like to take more than 25 minutes to
answer a questionnaire. (Length of
questionnaire should not be more than 60
31. Printing may be costly if questionnaire
lengthy and printed on good quality of paper.
Addressing outside envelops and postage are
time consuming and expensive respectively.
Data are limited to information given
voluntarily by the subject. Not all subjects
comply with request to participate
Some items may be misunderstood.
Questionnaire use limited to literate.
Subjects’ non-verbal cues cannot be
observed.
32. it is impossible to know who returned the
questionnaires in case follow up is needed.
Special efforts must be made to test the validity
and reliability of the questionnaire.
Researcher has no opportunity to interact with
respondents.
Subjects can express their views/opinions
better while speaking than writing.
34. Close Ended
After questions respondents are given a number
of alternatives to either mark a “Yes” or “No”,
check an item from list of suggested responses.
Items may be forced choice type e.g.
Do you still beat your wife? “Yes”
Advantage : Easy to fill, tabulate, analyze and
data suited many statistical analysis.
Disadvantage: Limited to specific topic to be
answered in a specific way.
35. Open Ended Questions
Have no choices from which respondents
select their response. Respondent must
“Create” their response.
Example: Why did you choose to take your
graduate work at this university?
Advantage : Stimulate thought, solicit
suggestions, probe people’s memories.
36. Disadvantage: Not suited for mailed
questionnaire
- Difficult to construct meaningful variables
for statistical analysis.
- Analysis is often problematic and time
consuming
37. Partially closed ended questions –
provide a compromise
Though answer choices provided, but subjects
have the option of creating their own response.
Example :
For what reasons did you retire before the age of
58?
(i) Health reasons (ii) desire for more free time
(iii) Was assured of more than adequate income
(iv) Please list as many other reasons as you can
think of.
38. Factors to consider
Sampl
e
• Who are u going to ask
Metho
d
• How are u going to ask
Questio
nnaire
• What are u going to ask
Result • What will u do with the data
Cost
• How much do u want to pay for the
answer
Time
scale
• By when u need the data
40. Framing Questions
Question Content
– based on researcher’s aims, concepts under
study.
Question Wording
- Clarity
- Ability of respondents to reply
- Bias
- Handling sensitive or personal information.
41. Response Alternatives:
- Select appropriate response alternatives,
- Ordering responses rationally
- Response length – Not too lengthy as it
is inefficient and cumbersome to read
detailed replies.
Organization – Plan question sequence (order of
question and schedule format)
- Items should relate to topic
42. - Items organized into units
- Questions to be specific.
- Items to elicit demographic data.
- Schedule format – questionnaire schedule
affects the accuracy of the response.
Formats that are easy to follow and pleasing to
the eye are completed by respondents.
43. Introduction and Instructions:
- State the nature and purpose of the
study in introduction.
- Why the subjects are being questioned.
- Directions for respondents to respond.
- Confidentiality and anonymity should be
assured.
44. - Personal data – Age, Sex, Education.
- Back ground data – Family income,
occupation, living environment etc.
- Content – Knowledge, opinion, belief,
attitude etc.
- Acknowledging participation.
45. Writing Good Questions
Use words that are simple, direct and familiar to all.
Question – Clear and Specific
Define or quality the term that can be easily be
misinterpreted.
Avoid double barreled questions.
Do you think that students should have more classes
about history and culture?
Beware of double negatives (Are you against not
allowing nurses to strike?)
Underline a word if you wish to indicate special
emphasis.
e.g. should all schools offer a modern foreign
language?
46. Avoid questions that are leading or suggest the
expected answer.
e.g. you don’t approve of strikes, do you?
Be sure alternatives are enough and
appropriate.
Reason for asking personal question should be
given.
Problem words – lead to confusion in subject’s
mind.
e.g. How many patients did you care for last
week?
47. Administration of Questionnaire
Self administered:
- Individual / Group administration
- Maximizes the return rate.
- Allow researcher to clarify any doubts
while responding.
Mailing distribution – Mailed to respondents with
a request letter.
Advantage : Can cover large widely scattered
population
48. Disadvantage: Some items may need
clarification
- Completion rate tend to be low
- Low returns
- Monitoring return.
Acceptable response rate
- 50% Adequate
- 60% Good
-70% or more is very good.
49. Follow up Mailing – Provides stimuli for
responding
- Three mailings seem the most efficient.
- Timing of follow up (2 -3 weeks is a
reasonable space between mailings).
- Sending follow up letters.
50. Interview – Technique of Data Collection
• Second most common method of data collection
• Face to face interpersonal role situation.
• Interview schedule – structured, semi-
structured, unstructured.
• Interview schedule is an oral questionnaire that
is read to the respondent by the researcher
whereas interview guide provides ideas but
allows the interviewer freedom to pursue topics
in depth.
• Interviewer has an ability to control over the
level of questioning
51. Advantages
• Data from each interview are usable, whereas
not true for each questionnaire returned.
• In-depth data can be obtained, since researcher
can pursue any question of special interest.
• Interview offers protection against ambiguous or
confusing questions.
• Respondents are less likely to give “don’t know”
responses or leave a question unanswered
• Flexibility
• Permit greater control over the sample
52. • Suitable for probing complex situations and
sensitive issues.
• Higher proportion of responses are obtained
from potential respondents.
• Saves interviewee’s time as she/he doesn’t have
to go through the process of returning the
instrument.
53. • Useful for both literate & illiterates and also
broader group of individuals i.e. young children,
blind, very elderly etc.
• Face to face interviews have an advantage in
their ability to produce additional data through
observation (non-verbal)
• Telephones/videos may be used for soliciting
some types of interview data, especially when
time period for gathering information is short.
54. Disadvantages
• It is time consuming and costly
• Rapport and interpersonal relationships are
important aspect of this technique. Therefore,
element of bias can be from both interviewer
and interviewee.
• Interviewer usually has little or no choice in the
data or place of the interview
• Difficult to make a comparison of data collected
by one interviewer’s with another unless a rigid
procedure is followed. In large research
projects, training of interviewers adds to the
expense of the project
55. • When more than one interviewer collect data of
a study, the influence of personal bias of
interviewers may affect objectivity.
• Recording may be biased, incomplete or
selective
56. Conducting the Interview
• Interviews can be conducted by
Face to face meeting
Telephonically
Video-recording
• Conduct in a quiet peaceful atmosphere
• Subject to be seated in a comfortable position
• Subject should be informed before hand as to
how much time interview will take.
57. • Recording of responses should be done
simultaneously.
Sometimes with subject’s permission, interviewer
may record responses by use of tape
recorder/video recording.
Ofcourse experience of writing in shorthand is
useful.
• Interviewer must ask the questions in a similar
fashion throughout the data gathering process.
58. • Build Rapport with the interviewee by –
Introducing self,
Nature and purpose of study
Ask permission to interview
Create a friendly and pleasant atmosphere for the
subjects
Assure interviewee’s anonymity and
confidentiality of responses
Request for frank opinions/feeling etc.
Should not pressure the individual to answer.
They should be told they need not answer
embarrassing questions if they don’t wish to do
so.
59. Problems
• Ineffective procedure for obtaining actual
behaviour patterns
• Some interviewees may have faulty memories
and either can not remember a certain fact or
guess what seems to be a reasonable answer.
• Subjects may give answers which is
representative of a group rather than their own
ideas
• Presence of interviewer may influence the
subjects, so that they answer questions
differently than they would if filling a
questionnaire
60. • Sample mortality. (Not everyone in the expected
sample may be present)
• Some respondents may not be qualified to
answer some questions asked to them. May not
recognize their own problems.
• Respondents get nervous seeing their responses
being written.
• Time is lost, when interviewer has to record
responses. In haste, he may make some
mechanical mistake.
61. • Interviewee may lose his train of thoughts while
waiting the interviewer to finish writing the last
response. Thus some data may be lost.
• Interviewer is likely to overlook/become
unaware of non-verbal cues while getting busy
with interview guide or schedule.
62. OBSERVATION TECHNIQUE
It is one of the basic and oldest method to
gather data
Is systematically planned and recorded.
It is a technique to acquire information
through occurrence that can be observed
through senses with or without mechanical
devices.
It is a two part process i.e. someone is
observing and there is something to observe
(observer; observed)
63. Four Broad Questions in observation
What should be observed?
How should observation be recorded ?
What procedures should be used to try to assure the
accuracy of observation ?
What relationship should exist between the observer
and the observed, and how can such relationship be
established?
64. Phenomena Amenable to Observation
Characteristics and conditions of individuals –
People’s attributes, status, Physiological conditions
(Through senses and apparatus)
Verbal communication behaviour – linguistic
behaviour, content & structure of conversation,
entire process of social interaction.
Non-verbal communication behaviour – Facial
expressions, touch posture, gesture, body
movements, Linguistic behaviour – manner of
speaking, loudness, continuity of speech
65. Activities – People’s behaviour that communicates
overt state. Actions indicative of health status –
Physical and emotional functioning; study of
activities of health personnel etc.
Skill attainment and Performance- Nursing skills-
Procedures, Techniques.
Environmental characteristics/Attributes – noise
levels, cleanliness, ventilation, odour, water
supply, mosquito breeding, Infrastructure.
66. Units of Observation
Two basic approaches for making decision
concerning what constitutes a unit.
Molar Approach – Observation of large units of
behaviour and treating them as a whole. (Study of
psychiatric patients swings in verbal & non verbal
behaviour on one hand and passive behaviour on
the other hand.
Molecular Approach – Observation of small and
highly specific behaviour e.g. observation of each
movement, gesture, action & treating each action
separately or perhaps breaking it further into
smaller units.
70. Interviewing process
Preparation for interview
Pre interview introduction
Developing rapport
Carrying the interview forward
Recording the interview
Closing the interview
71. Observation methods
Unstructured observation – is made to provide
as complete and non-selective a description as
possible of an event –or behaviour observed.
Techniques used for unstructured method of
observation :-
Participant observation – involves researcher
to participate in the functioning of social
group under investigation.
Researcher attempts not to interject his
views & meaning into the social situation
under observation.
72. Unstructured observation method
Provides rich and deep understanding of human
behaviour.
Observer bias and influence are prominent
difficulties
Memory distortions represent another possible
source of inaccuracy.
73. Log and field notes
Anecdotes
Field diaries
Video and tape recording
74. Logs, Field Notes, Anecdotes
Logs – is a record of events & conversation,
maintained on daily basis.
Field Notes – include daily log but tend to be
much broader, more analytic and include more
interpretation than mere listing of occurrences.
Essential to record simultaneously because of
memory failure.
Anecdotes – Focus on behaviour of particular
interest. Anecdote typically selects specific kind of
events and behaviours for observation before
hand. Observer objectively and accurately records
the observation.
75. Structured Observation
Excellent method of data collection.
Indicates presence or absence of pre-specified behaviour /
attribute.
More subjects can be observed in much less time
Checklists, rating scales and category system are commonly
used tools in structured observation.
Sampling by time and event are common strategies for
observational sampling.
Frequency and duration of activity/event/ behaviour needs
to be determined.
Category system represents an attempt to designate in a
systematic or quantitative fashion the qualitative
behaviours and events transpiring within the observations
setting.
77. Considerations in category system
Careful and explicit definition of behaviours
and characterstics
Referrant behaviour should be mutually
exclusive.
Developing a system of coding.
Pilot run of constructed category system to
assess its suitability for intended study.
Developing, refining and retesting of new
category system.
78. Types
Participant
Live or work in the
field
Unstructured tools
Non participant
Observe without
interaction
Children and
animals
79. Types of Observation
No concealment and participant
Concealment and participant
Concealment and non-participant
No concealment and non-participant
80. No concealment and participant observation
Observer make no alteration in the social setting
Doesn’t make observation covertly.
Subjects are aware of researcher’s presence but not
aware of researcher’s underlying motive.
Drawbacks are –
- Hawthorne effect (subjects awareness of
being observed).
- Interaction between the observed & observer
alters the subjects’ behaviour.
81. Concealment and participant observation
Researcher observes subjects’ behaviour
in their natural setting but adopts a
passive role as otherwise it may alter
subjects behaviour.
Researcher observes and records
observation with minimum intervention.
The problem of behaviour distortion with
presence of observer is known as reactive
measurement effect.
82. Concealment and non- participant observation
Researcher makes observation from the periphery of a
social setting in such a way that he is present but doesn’t
interact with others. (Also called lurking)
Observer does not make his intentions known to the
group, nor does he make any effort to participate.
Can collect great deal of information.
If observer is not nearby, difficulty in hearing can lead to
misunderstanding.
Question of violation of human rights – i.e. lack of
dignity in data collection because the observed are
neither aware of the observer nor being observed.
83. No concealment and Non-participant observation
Extremely valuable in nursing research
intervention studies.
Observer’s presence known
Subjects aware of their participation in
the study and being observed.
Research Methods: A Modular Approach
By Sherri Jackson
85. Observation Sampling Technique
Usually impossible to observe behaviour for
extended period of time because of fatigue and
boredom.
Commonly used techniques are:-
Time sampling method
Event sampling
Time sampling – involves selection of time periods
during which observation will take place.
Researcher should decide duration & time when to
begin and when to stop
86. Event sampling
Event sampling refers to a diverse class of specific
empirical methods for studying individual experiences
and social processes within their natural, spontaneous
context.
Event sampling procedures are designed to obtain
reasonably detailed accounts of thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours as they occur in everyday life.
87. Difference
Time sampling = When you set a designated amount
of time e.g. 30 seconds and observe what behaviour is
happening in these intervals. Here behaviour is
recorded at regular, preset interval.
Event sampling = Watching all the time and marking
down when the specific behaviour is happening..
88. Steps in Developing An Observation
Schedule/ planning the observation
Determine the focus- questions to be answered
Selecting – aspects of behaviour to be observed.
Defining the behaviour that fall with in a category.
Design a system for data collection
Recording sheet and checklists
Observation guides-interactions, processes or behaviors
Field notes
Select the sites
Select the observers
Train observers.
Quantify observations.
Developing procedures to facilitate recording
89. Testing of observation schedule by checking:
Inter-rater reliability (85% agreement
between two observers/raters)
Intrarater reliability – same rater observes
same behaviour/event on two or more
occasions. Involves multiple observations
extending over days and weeks. Test-retest
reliability is considered important for such
observational recordings.
90. Structured observations by
nonresearch observers
Here the person completing the scale might be asked
to describe the attributes and behaviours of another
person.
Mother might be asked to describe the behavior
problems of her preschool child
Adv
Economical
Reactivity- an outsider observing
Occurrence in private situations
Infrequency ( sleep walking)
91. Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages
Important technique
for studying human
behaviour specially
where interventions are
used.
Provides depth and
variety of information.
Observation and
interpretation is a
demanding task requiring
attention, sensation,
perception and conception.
92. Researcher is not
dependent on subjects
who consent to answer,
all subjects are
potential respondents.
Subjects are usually
available unlike
questionnaire where
one is dependent on
return of mailed
questionnaire.
It allows view of
complete situation first
hand and include
sequence of events.
Lack of consent to being
observed.
• Time and duration of event
can’t be predicted usually
observer may wait until an
event happens. Therefore it is
difficult to know when to be
present to observe key events.
93. All the data obtained by
the observation are
usable unlike
questionnaire where
irrelevant information
may be included
because respondents
misunderstand the
questions asked to
them.
It is most open to use of
recording devices such
as tape-recorders and
cameras.
Data obtained are vulnerable to
many distortions and biases.
Observed events are subjected
to researchers cultural
background and personal
interpretations.
Use of recording devices is
expensive.
94. One can make use of
assistants to carry out
observations.
Extensive training is necessary if
assistant observers are used.
Observers may get involved in the
situation which can cause threat to
the objectivity of the data collected.
Especially rating scales are susceptible
to two distinct type of errors.
‘Halo effect’ tendency of the rater to
be influenced by one characteristic in
rating other non-related
characteristics.
Error of leniency: Tendency of the
observer to rate everything positively.
Error of severity: tendency of the
observer to rate too harshly.
95. Ethics
Observation of human beings involves some
important ethical implications in terms of their rights,
willingness to be observed. Should they be observed
without their knowledge? Is it permissible to inform
the subjects that they are being observed? Subjects
should be assured of their anonymity, confidentiality.
Can we force the subjects to participate in the study ?
Is their unwillingness genuine ?
96. Polit describes three common ethical
requirements, which are : voluntary
participation/freedom from physical or psychological
harm and distress, and anonymity. Observation
without participants permission may not assume
subjects voluntary participation. Sudden disclosure of
being observed may cause distress and mental trauma
to some subjects. Therefore, researcher needs to
decide on these sensitive questioning prior to data
collection.
98. Notes on
Composite scales
Likert scale
Semantic differential scales
Visual analogue scales
With egs
99. Rating scales
Express an opinion on person, object, situation or character
In RS we judge object in absolute terms against specified
criteria without reference to other similar objects
Refers to a scale with a set of opinion , which describes
varying degree of the dimensions of an attitude being
observed
A rating scale is a set of categories designed to elicit
information about a quantitative or a qualitative attribute
eg Likert scale
3 point, 5 point or 7 point RS
100. Characteristics
Value judgments about attributes of one person by another
person
Carry out structured observations
Quantitative judgment about a qualitative attribute
Provide flexibility
Guilford
Clarity
Relevance
Variety
Objectivity
Uniqueness
106. Causes of distortion
Central tendency bias
a desire to avoid being perceived as having extremist
views -social desirability bias
for questions early in a test, an expectation that
questions about which one has stronger views may
follow, such that on earlier questions one "leaves
room" for stronger responses later in the test.
Acquiescence bias
Agree with statements as presented
107. Disagree with sentences as presented out of a
defensive desire to avoid making erroneous statements
and/or avoid negative consequences that respondents
may fear will result from their answers being used
against them
Provide answers that they believe will be evaluated as
indicating strength or lack of weakness/dysfunction-
faking good
Provide answers that they believe will be evaluated as
indicating weakness or presence of
impairment/pathology - faking bad
108. Adv
Easy to administer and score
Widely used in Nursing research
Easier to make and less time consuming
Can be used for a large group
Also used in quantitative methods
Evaluate skills
Adaptable and flexible
109. Dis adv
Difficult and dangerous to fix rating about many
aspects of an individual
Misuse can result in decrease in objectivity
Chances of subjectivity- unscientific and unreliable
scales
110. Likert scales
LS is a composite measure of attitudes that involve
summation of scores on the set of items to which
respondents are asked to indicate their degree of
agreement or disagreement
Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly involved in
research that employs questionnaires.
A Likert item is simply a statement that the respondent is
asked to evaluate by giving it a quantitative value on any
kind of subjective or objective dimension, with level of
agreement/disagreement being the dimension most
commonly used.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115. Features
Symmetry
Balance
The format of a typical five-level Likert item, for
example, could be:
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
116. Bipolar scaling method, measuring either positive or
negative response to a statement
The five response categories are often believed to
represent an Interval level of measurement.
117. Uses
Measure attitudes, values and feelings of people about
specific concepts
Quantifying a qualitative attribute
Opinion about an abstract concept
118. Characteristics
Psychological measurement tool
Illustrative in nature
Neutral statements
Bipolar scaling method- alternative pos and neg
statements
Positive- high score with agreement and vice versa
Measurement of specific number of scaling categories
119. Adv
Easy to construct
More reliable and valid to measure psychosocial
variables
Easy to administer since respondents only have to tick
Less time consuming for construction and
administration
120. Dis adv
Forced choice
Real feelings of the researchers may not be assessed
Difficulty in justifying the number of categories and
numerical assignments to these categories
Casual approach can provide misleading data
121. VAS
VAS is a bipolar scale used to determine the degree of
stimuli a patient is experiencing
Usually 10 cms in length
Horizontal or vertical line
Two extremes at either end
Eg: no pain to worst pain
122. Uses
Measure level of pain, anxiety and mood
Measure alertness, quality, severity of clinical
symptoms, functional ability and attitude
Choose right dose of medicine . Eg: for pain
Rating soft variables like skills, confidence, quality of
team work
123. Adv
Reliable and valid tool to measure intensity of certain
sensations and feelings. Pain and anxiety
Quantifying a qualitative attribute
Can see changes within the individual
124. Dis adv
Cannot be used for comparing results across a group of
individuals at the same time
Reliability may be low in measuring sensations like
pain as the patient has to recall their initial pain
severity.
125.
126. CHECKLISTS
Performance evaluation
It is a simple instrument consisting of a prepared list of
expected items of performance or attributes which are
checked by a researcher for their presence or absence.
127.
128. Characteristics
One at a time
Clearly specify the characteristics of behavior to be
observed
Observer should be trained
129. Construction
Express each item in clear and simple language
Type is determined by an intensive survey of literature
List of items should be continuous and divided into
groups of related items
Get advice from experts
Avoid negative statements
Clear responses should be there like yes or no, true or
false
Completeness and comprehensiveness should be there
130. Adv
Adaptable to subject matter areas
Useful in evaluating learning activities, procedural
work
Has objectivity to evaluate characteristics
Decreases chances of error of observation
131. Dis adv
Does not indicate quality of performance
Limited use
Only a limited component of overall clinical
performance can be evaluated
Limited use in qualitative studies
135. Semantic differential Scale
Semantic differential is a type of a rating scale designed
to measure the connotative meaning of objects, events, and
concepts. The connotations are used to derive the attitude
towards the given object, event or concept.
The respondent is asked to choose where his or her
position lies, on a scale between two bipolar adjectives.
Eg: Adequate-Inadequate, Good-Evil or Valuable-
Worthless.
Semantic differentials can be used to measure opinions,
attitudes and values on a psychometrically controlled
scale.
136. Dimension of affective meaning
Evaluation, potency, and activity.
Evaluation loads highest on the adjective pair 'good-
bad'.
The 'strong-weak' adjective pair defines the potency
factor.
Adjective pair 'active-passive' defines the activity
factor.
10-12 adjective pairs not more than 20
137. Strong ____:____:____:____:____:____:____ Weak
Decisive ____:____:____:____:____:____:____ Indecisive
Good ____:____:____:____:____:____:____ Bad
Cheap ____:____:____:____:____:____:____ Expensive
Active ____:____:____:____:____:____:____ Passive
Lazy ____:____:____:____:____:____:____ Industrious
The respondent is asked to rate an object, person or any
concept, by putting a mark on one of the 7 spaces
along each dimension.
138. Results can be presented in a figure or list the average
scores on each dimension, and then draw conclusions.
139.
140. Biophysiological methods
Purposes
Basic physiology with relevance for nursing care
Ways that nursing actions or medical interventions
affect patient health outcomes
Evaluation of specific nursing procedures or
interventions testing a hypothesis
Improving measurement and recording of bio
physiologic data collected by RN
Correlation of physiologic function in patient with
health problems
141. USE OF BIOPHYSIOLOGIC
MEASURES IN NURSING RESEARCH
Study of biophysiologic processes
Effect of nursing intervention on human physiological
process
Correlate physiologic functioning with health
outcomes
142. Major types
In vivo
Measurements performed directly with in or on living
organisms themselves
May use complex instrumentation system with
computers
May be simple – thermometer, pulse oximeter,
stethoscope
143. In vitro
Measurements performed outside the organism’s body
Specimens collected and tested outside body
Blood chemistries, microbiologic, cytologic specimens
144. Considerations for physiologic
measurements
Will measure yield good information? Does it fit
research questions/hypotheses and variables of study?
What other methods of measurement could be used?
Invasive & noninvasive
Equipment and supply costs; reliability of equipment
and complexity of operation
Training of personnel
145. ADVANTAGES
Accurate precise & sensitive
Objective
Instrument used are valid and reliable
Biophysiologic measures are not expensive but there
can be expensive tests
146. DISADVANTAGES
Interferences that create artifacts in Biophysiologic
measures
High degree of interaction among the major
Biophysiologic system
147. Projective techniques
Rorschach inkblot test; thematic apperception test
(tell a story based on a picture)
Eg
The associative imagery technique is a qualitative tool
with which researchers use carefully selected
photographs or images to trigger participants’
responses to explain difficult behavioural and social
concepts.
148. Researchers describe the development and
implementation of the associative imagery method in
focus groups to understand the complex relationships
between homecare workers and their clients as part of
a larger health and safety intervention project.
116 homecare workers and clients were recruited
They found that participants used images mainly in
two ways.
The images served to remind participants of specific
persons, events, and/or objects.
The images facilitated recollections and reflections that
allowed participants to metaphorically describe their
experiences, feelings, and emotions.
Both usages of imagery generated comments that
answered the research question in a more relevant,
descriptive, and vivid way.
149. Q sorts
William Stephenson introduced Q Method in 1935.
He said it offered psychology as a scientific approach
through which a systematic examination &
understanding of individuals’ subjectivity could be
achieved.
His contemporaries disagreed and there was severe
criticism of the method, due to its departure from
traditional factor analysis.
Q Method fell out on 1940-1960,but revived by US in
1970 & and UK in 1980
150. Q sorts
It consists of cards often as many as 40 or 50.
The goal is to sort the cards into one of five columns.
The qualities in each column are then recorded and
the results are used to assist the patient in determining
issues he or she wishes to work in treatment.
Subject asked to sort statements into piles according to
importance to subject or most positive to least positive
Forced –choice arrangement distributed into piles of
bell-shaped curve
Time-consuming and difficult for some respondents
151. It is a ranking of variables
presented as statements printed on small cards—according
to some "condition of instruction."
For example, in a Q study of people's views of a nursing, a
subject might be given statements like “It is a deeply noble
profession" and “It is altruistic in nature," or “ It is
submissive” and asked to sort them from "most like how I
think about this profession" to "least like how I think about
this profession."
The use of ranking, rather than asking subjects to rate their
agreement with statements individually, is meant to
capture the idea that people think about ideas in relation to
other ideas, rather than in isolation.
154. Delphi or nominal technique
Measures the judgments of a group of experts, assess
priorities or make forecasts
155. Steps
Identify panel of experts to answer questions
Develop questionnaire – mostly closed-ended
Questionnaires completed and returned by experts
and results analyzed
Statistical analysis and 2nd questionnaire sent to
experts and returned
Steps 3 & 4 repeated until data reflects the consensus
of the experts
156. Vignettes
Vignettes are simulations of real events which can be
used in research studies to elicit subject's knowledge,
attitudes or opinions according to how they state they
would behave in the hypothetical situation depicted.
validity.
157. Advantages
the ability to collect information simultaneously from
large numbers of subjects,
to manipulate a number of variables at once in a
manner that would not be possible in observation
studies,
absence of observer effect
avoidance of the ethical dilemmas commonly
encountered during observation.
158. Difficulties include problems establishing reliability
and validity, especially external validity
159. Pilot study
Small scale version or trial run designed to test the
methods to be used in a larger, more rigorous study
Purpose is to prevent an expensive fiasco- that is a
costly but flawed large scale study
Called feasibility studies
160. Functions
Adequacy of study method and procedures
Likely success of a participant recruitment strategy
Appropriateness and quality of instruments- validity
and reliability of tools
Strength of relationships between key variables so that
sample size can be estimated
Identification of confounding variables
161. Functions
Potential problem of losing participants
Extent to which the preliminary evidence justifies
more rigorous research
Refine methodology
Plan for data analysis and interpretation
Project costs for budgeting purpose
Test for the intervention itself
162. Pilot testing an intervention
Acceptability of the intervention to the intended
beneficiaries, intervention agents and administrators
Adequacy comprehensiveness and clarity of
intervention protocols
Appropriateness of the dose of intervention
Extent to which intervention fidelity can be
maintained- faithfulness
Rate of retention in the intervention
Safety of the intervention: any unforeseen side effects
163. Pilot study gives us lessons
Should seek funding only after pilot
Concealment – disguised observation by hiding or by videotaped
Goddel and fossey observing the chimpanzee
Abstract
Most studies on occupational stress concentrateon chronic conditions, whereas research onstressful situations is rather sparse. Using anevent-sampling approach, 80 young workersreported stressful events over 7 days (409work-related and 127 private events). Contentanalysis showed the newcomers' work experiencesto be similar to what is typically found inolder samples (e.g., social stressors,quantitative overload, problems ofcooperation). At work and in private life,social stressors were dominant. Inmultilevel-analyses active coping predictedhigher success in calming down and problemsolving, particularly in controllablesituations. Palliation was positively relatedto successful calming down and negatively toevent-related well-being. With regard to therelationship between chronic conditions andsituational variables, (stable) job control wasassociated with successful calming down instressful situations, and it buffered theeffect of chronic job stressors on successfulsituational calming down, yielding a specificvariant of the demands-control model. Number ofwork-related stressful events, weighted bysignificance, was moderately associated withchronic job stressors. However, while chronicjob stressors predicted momentary well-beingover and above the weighted number of events,events did not predict momentary well-being,and its prediction of stable well-beingdisappeared once chronic stressors werecontrolled. These results show how chronicconditions represent background variables thatnot only have a stronger influence onwell-being but also influence the immediatereaction to stressful encounter
which expectation creates bias that is especially pernicious in that its effects are not uniform throughout the test and cannot be corrected for through simple across-the-board normalization;