Clever Grades

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Data Collection Devices

Purpose of Data Collection

Ensuring Validity and Reliability

Data collection devices are tools used to record information during research. Using appropriate devices helps ensure data is reliable, valid, and relevant to the social issue being studied. Common devices include questionnaires, interview guides, and observation schedules.

Questionnaire Structures

Questionnaires are paper or electronic forms with a series of questions. The three main formats allow researchers to gather different types of data:

1

Closed (Direct) Questions

Set list of answers (e.g., multiple-choice, yes/no).
2

Open (Indirect) Questions

Allows participants to answer in their own words (qualitative).
3

Rating or Likert Scale Questions

Respondents rate agreement or feelings on a defined scale.

Closed vs Open Questions

✅
Closed Questions: Strengths Quick to answer; easy to compare; less open to interpretation. Example: “Do you support recycling? Yes / No”
❌
Closed Questions: Weaknesses May oversimplify opinions; could miss nuanced views.
✅
Open Questions: Strengths Encourages detailed responses; reveals unanticipated information. Example: “What are your thoughts on recycling in your community?”
❌
Open Questions: Weaknesses Harder to analyze; takes more time to fill out.

Quantifying Attitudes

📊

Likert Scale

Quantifies attitudes; easy to compare across participants.
⚠️

Limitation

May not reflect the complexity of opinions.
⭐️

Usage

Rating agreement on a scale (e.g., 1=disagree, 5=agree).

Interview Guide Structure

To carry out effective interviews, researchers prepare a mix of question types to gather both factual and detailed qualitative data:

1

DIRECT (CLOSED) QUESTIONS

Helpful for getting clear facts. Example: “How old are you?”
2

INDIRECT (OPEN) QUESTIONS

Encourage participants to tell stories or express feelings.
3

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

Asked after the initial answer to gain more detail. Example: “Why do you feel that way?”
4

PROBING QUESTIONS

Dig deeper to clarify or expand answers.

Observation Methodology

Observation = Structure + Timing
Recording observations depends on planning and structure. Overt observation uses Behavior Categories/Checklists and Sampling Schedules to ensure consistency.

Observation Sampling Techniques

Type Description Frequency
TIME POINT SAMPLING Observing behaviour at specific moments (e.g., every 10 minutes)
TIME INTERVAL SAMPLING Recording behaviour within a set time period (e.g., watching for 2 minutes every 10 minutes)
EVENT SAMPLING Recording a behaviour every time it occurs

Trade-offs in Data Collection

🤔
If observation is great for recording actual behaviour, why use questionnaires or interviews?
🦉
Observation does not provide direct insight into thoughts or feelings. Questionnaires and interviews collect personal opinions and detailed accounts!
Data Collection Devices Deck
Q
Use of Data Collection Devices

What are data collection devices used for?

A
Answer

They are tools used to record information during research.

Q
Common Devices

Name three common data collection devices.

A
Answer

Questionnaires, interview guides, observation schedules.

Q
Closed Questions

What is a closed question in a questionnaire?

A
Answer

A question with set answer options such as multiple-choice or yes/no.

Q
Strength of Closed Questions

Give one strength of closed questions.

A
Answer

Easy to analyze statistically.

Q
Open Questions

What is an open question?

A
Answer

A question that allows participants to answer in their own words.

Q
Likert Scale

What is a Likert scale question?

A
Answer

A rating question asking respondents to indicate agreement or feeling on a scale.

Q
Interview Questions for Facts

What type of questions do interviews use to get clear facts?

A
Answer

Direct (closed) questions.

Q
Probing Questions

What are probing questions in interviews?

A
Answer

Questions that dig deeper to clarify or expand answers.

Q
Overt Observation

What is overt observation?

A
Answer

Observation where the researcher uses checklists to note behavior discreetly.

Q
Time Point Sampling

Define time point sampling in observation.

A
Answer

Observing behavior at specific moments at set intervals.

Q
Weakness of Observation

What is one weakness of observation as a data collection device?

A
Answer

It does not provide insight into participants’ thoughts or feelings.

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🌸 Nature Quiz

1. Which of the following is a strength of closed questions in questionnaires?

Closed questions provide fixed answer options, making statistical analysis easier.

2. What type of interview question encourages participants to share feelings or stories?

Indirect questions allow participants to elaborate beyond simple facts.

3. What is overt observation?

Overt observation involves using checklists while being visible but discreet.

4. Time interval sampling in observation means:

Time interval sampling records behavior within specified time blocks repeatedly.

5. Which is a key weakness of observation as a data collection device?

Observation records behavior, but cannot access participants’ internal states.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Social Studies
  • GCSE
  • Research Methods
  • WJEC