This document discusses data collection procedures for research. It identifies the key steps as determining what data to collect by operationalizing variables, selecting appropriate collection methods, and establishing parameters. Qualitative research often uses interviews, observations, record reviews and diaries simultaneously. Common instruments are observations, interviews, verbal reports, questionnaires and tests. Reliability and validity must be established to ensure quality and accuracy in measuring intended constructs. Researchers may use, adapt, or develop new procedures when collecting data.

1. Data and Data Collection
Procedures
Seliguer and Shohamy(1989)
Once the researcher has selected a specific design for
the study consistent with the objectives of the research, it
is time to collect the research data.

2. Determining what constitute data
The researcher needs to operationalize the variables
of the study, that is, identify specific behaviors which
could provide acceptable evidence for describing
them.
Procedures for collecting data
The researcher will select the appropriate data
collection procedures from many available procedures.
Data collection parameter
Collecting data by means of procedures of a high
degree of explicitness involves the use of formal and
structured types of data collection procedures which
determine in advance the specific focus of the data.

3. Description of data collection
procedures
Proceduress for collecting data in qualitative research. In
qualitative types of research, data are often collected by means of a
number of procedures used simultaneously, with one piece of data
leading to the next.

4. Data collection methods
Interviews
Open observations
Record reviews
Diaries

5. Instrument to collect data
Observations
Interviews
Verbal reporting
Questionnaires
Tests

6. Reliability Viability
Assuring the quality of the data
and the data collection procedures
Provides information on
whether the data collection
procedure is consistent and
accurate. Different types of
reliability need to be
computed, depending where
the researcher suspects that
inaccuracies in the data
collection procedure could
occur.
Refers to the extent to which
the data collection procedire
measures what it intends to
measure. Viability cannot
really be proven but it is
necessary to obtain evidence
of validity

7. Using, adapting, and developing
data collection procedures
In using data collection procedures, the researcher has three
choices:
a) To use ready-made procedures developed and tried out by
other researchers
b) To adapt and revise existing procedures
c) To develop new data collection procedures