3.6 Research instruments
Research instruments refers to the tools you are going to use to answer your objectives
Methods and Instruments Used to Collect Data:
The primary methods employed for data collection consist of:
- Interview Method: Face-to-face interviews, key informant interviews, or communication through mediums like phones. It is direct interaction between the researcher and participants, involving face-to-face discussions, interviews with key individuals who possess relevant information, or communication through mediums such as phones.
- Questionnaire Method: A systematic approach to data collection that utilizes a set of pre-determined questions presented to respondents, aiming to gather information in a structured and standardized manner.
- Documentary (Reading Document) Method: The examination and analysis of existing documents or written materials to extract relevant information for research purposes.
- Focus Group Discussion: A qualitative research method involving a group of individuals discussing specific topics guided by a moderator, with the aim of gathering diverse opinions and insights.
- Observation Method: A research technique where the researcher systematically observes and records behaviors, events, or activities to collect data in a firsthand, unobtrusive manner.
Research (Data Collection) Instruments/Tools:
The key tools utilized for data collection include:
- Interview Guides: Structured sets of questions or topics designed to guide an interviewer during face-to-face or key informant interviews.
- Self-administered Questionnaires: Questionnaires designed for respondents to complete independently, without direct interaction with an interviewer.
- Key Informant Guides: Structured outlines or questions used when interviewing key informants, individuals with specialized knowledge or experience relevant to the research.
- Group Discussion Topics: Specific subjects or issues designated for exploration during a focus group discussion to stimulate conversation and elicit diverse perspectives.
- Observation Checklist/Schedule: A systematic list or plan used by researchers to observe and record specific behaviors, events, or characteristics during the observation method.
- Library Search: A systematic exploration of existing literature and information sources within a library to gather relevant data for research.
- Tests: Structured assessments or examinations conducted to measure specific abilities, knowledge, or characteristics of individuals.
- Use of Diary: The recording of regular, chronological entries detailing events, behaviors, or experiences over time, serving as a method of data collection in research.
The selection of the data collection method is guided by:
- Accuracy of Information: The degree to which the chosen data collection method ensures precise, reliable, and truthful information from the participants, influencing the method’s appropriateness for the research.
- Practical Considerations: Factors such as time, available resources, equipment, and personnel, which impact the feasibility and suitability of a particular data collection method for the research.
- Response Rate of Respondents: The anticipated level of participation and willingness of the target respondents to engage with the chosen data collection method, affecting the method’s effectiveness in gathering sufficient and representative data.
- Geographical Area Coverage: The extent to which the selected data collection method can efficiently collect information across the intended geographical area, considering the distribution and accessibility of the target population.
Characteristics of a Good Research Instrument
- The Instrument must be valid and reliable
- It must be based upon the Conceptual framework.
- It must gather data suitable for and relevant to the research topic.
- It must gather data would test the hypotheses or answer the questions under investigation
- It should be free from all kinds of bias.
- It must contain clear and definite directions to accomplish it.
- It must be accompanied by a good cover letter.
- It must be accompanied, if possible, by a letter of recommendation from a sponsor/school.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Common Research Instruments/Tools:
1. Questionnaire:
Advantages:
- Easy administration to respondents across large areas.
- Respondents can answer at their own convenience.
- Quick data collection, saving time.
- Enhances anonymity, allowing respondents to freely address sensitive questions.
- Eliminates interview bias.
- Hard to design but easy to use.
Disadvantages:
- Unsuitable for illiterate respondents.
- Risk of misinterpretation of questions.
- Lack of opportunity for researcher probing.
- Low response rates.
- No observation of facial expressions.
- Inflexible tool in terms of respondent approach.
How to Construct a Questionnaire:
- Keep it brief and attractive.
- Begin with simple questions, ensuring logical sequencing.
- Include researcher’s address and a clear title.
- Provide an introduction, emphasizing the study’s significance, confidentiality, and instructions.
- Use simple language, avoiding technical terms.
- Ask specific questions related to research objectives.
- Avoid leading and double questions.
- Place sensitive questions at the end.
- Include a variety of question types.
Types of Questions on a Questionnaire:
i) Open-Ended Questions:
- Enable detailed responses.
- Solicit unique viewpoints.
- Easy to design.
- Ideal when no predetermined answer is known.
However, there is a risk of irrelevant data.
ii) Closed Questions:
- Offer specific choices.
- Difficult to construct but easier to administer and analyze.
- Save time and provide standard answers.
Types of Closed Questions:
- List Type Questions.
- Multiple Choices.
- Scale Type.
- Ranking Type.
- Quantity Type.
2. Interview Instrument (Interview Guide/Schedule):
Advantages:
- Higher response rate.
- Suitable for non-literate respondents.
- Allows probing.
- Enables observation of respondent’s non-verbal cues.
- More control over data collection pace.
- Identity of respondent is known.
- Provides an opportunity for follow-up.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive and time-consuming, especially with a scattered population.
- Respondents may lack time for interviews.
- Prone to biases.
- Limited anonymity.
- Respondents may give pleasing answers.
- Embarrassing questions may hinder open responses.
- Difficulty in tracing respondents.
Techniques of Interviewing:
- Establish a good rapport.
- Introduce yourself and state the interview’s purpose.
- Ask one question at a time, following the guide.
- Repeat questions if necessary.
- Allow sufficient time for responses.
- Avoid suggesting answers.
- Maintain a neutral attitude on controversial issues.
- Use tact to keep the interview focused.
- Take shorthand notes.
- Adapt to the respondent’s schedule.
3. Observation Schedule/Checklist:
Advantages:
- Oldest research method.
- Provides reliable, first-hand information.
- Enables coding and recording real-time behavior.
- Facilitates clarification of questions.
- Elicits a high response rate.
- Allows detailed information gathering using the senses.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of respondents putting on a show.
- Time-consuming.
- Expensive.
- Inability to observe past events.
- Influenced by observer weaknesses.
4. Tests:
- Used for educational research to assess achievement or intelligence quotient.
5. Focus Group Discussion (FGD):
Advantages:
- Gathers a variety of opinions.
- Reaches a large number in a short time.
- Encourages mutual checks among group members.
- Involves directly affected individuals.
- Provides comfort for those hesitant in larger groups.
Disadvantages:
- Lacks anonymity.
- Expensive and time-consuming.
- Sensitive matters may limit open discussion.
- Risk of dominance by one participant.
- Group influence may generate desirable ideas.
6. Telephone Survey:
Advantages:
- Higher response rate than mail surveys.
- Time-efficient.
- Eliminates interviewer bias.
- Covers a broader geographical area.
- Offers comfort to shy respondents.
- Cost-effective and convenient.
- Allows probing during conversation.
Disadvantages:
- Excludes respondents without telephones.
- Difficulty in accessing phone numbers.
- Prone to human weaknesses.
7. Mail Survey:
- Questionnaires mailed to respondents.
- Applicable for widespread geographical studies.
For additional advantages and disadvantages, refer to those of a questionnaire.
8. Diary Method:
- Records events or occasions in a diary.
- Provides valuable data on individual work patterns.