This document discusses research instruments and methods for data collection. It describes common tools for gathering data such as questionnaires, interviews, and observation. It also outlines characteristics of good research instruments and different types of surveys including census, sample, and pilot surveys. Finally, it discusses data sources, collection methods, and types of data.

1. Research instruments
Zain ulabedin
Lecturer GCMS Talash

2. Research instruments
• One of the most important components of research design is the
research instruments because they gather or collect data or
information.
• Research instruments or tools are ways of gathering or collecting
data or information.
• The commonly used tools in gathering data:
 questionnaire
Interview
observation

3. 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 research topic.
• It must gather data that would test the hypotheses or answer the
questions under investigation.
• It should be free from all kinds of bias.
• It must contain clear and define directions to accomplish it.
• It must be accompanied, if possible, by a letter of
recommendation from a sponsor.

4. Survey Research
• It is a type of research to collect the data and facts about some
certain situation or issue from the target population existing in
surroundings having relevance to the nature of study.
• Survey research is the research strategy to study the relationships
and characteristics.
• Interviewing, administering questionnaires, and observing people
and phenomena are the three main data collection methods in
survey research.

5. Census Survey
• When data is to be collected from each member of the
population, it is known as census survey.
• A survey that measures the entire target population is called a
census.
• Census surveys are the types of surveys involving the process of
collecting information about each member of a given population.
• The use of census surveys is usually employed for statistical
research, population count or business marketing purposes.

6. Sample Survey
• When data is to be collected only from some members of the
population, it is known as sample survey.
• The process of collecting information by selecting some true
representative to get information is known as sample survey.
• Sample is a part of fraction of population selected on some basis.
• Sampling is used in infinite cases where Census cannot measure or
studies.

7. Pilot Survey
• A survey that is conducted with few individuals of the target population
or the sample of a survey, in order to test and refine the survey
instruments (questionnaire and instruction manual, data processing
manual and programmes) before the main data collection across the
target population or the full sample.
• Pilot study is a small preliminary investigation of the same general
character as the major study.
• It is designed to acquaint the researcher with the problems to be
corrected in preparation for larger research project.
• During pilot study, the instruments are going through a pretest although
the instrument content is expected to be in final form by this stage.

8. Data
• The pieces of information that are collected to examine the
research topic.
• The term “data” refers to the kinds of information researchers
obtain on the subjects of their research.
• Data are defined as the information recorded to represent facts.
• It is a lowest unit of information from which other measurements
and analysis can be done.
• Data is one of the most important and vital aspect of any research
study

9. Data collection
• Scientific and disciplined inquiry requires the collection, analysis,
and interpretation of data.
• OR; it is the process by which the researcher collects the
information needed to answer the research problem.
• The task of data collection begins after a research problem has
been defined and research design chalked out.

10. Data collection
• In collecting the data, the researcher must decide
• What data to collect?
• How to collect the data?
• Who will collect the data?
• When to collect the data?
• The selection of a method for collecting information depends upon the;
• Resources available
• Credibility
• Analysis and reporting
• Resources
• And the skill of the evaluator.

11. Types of data
• On the basis of source:
• Primary Data and secondary data
• On the basis of dependency:
• Objective Data (based on objectivity) and subjective (change with
change in situation) data.
• On the basis of nature:
• Qualitative data (belief, opinion, etc.) and quantitative data
(facts and figures etc.).

12. SOURCES OF DATA
• Data can be obtained from primary or secondary sources.
• Primary data refer to information obtained firsthand by the
researcher on the variables of interest for the specific purpose of
the study.
• Examples: individuals, focus groups, panels

13. SOURCES OF DATA
• Advantages of primary data:
• Resolve specific research issues.
• Better accuracy
• Higher level of control
• Up to date information.
• You are the owner of the information.
• Disadvantages of primary data:
• More expensive
• Time consuming
• Can have a lot of limits
• Not always possible

14. SOURCES OF DATA
• Secondary data refer to information gathered from sources already existing.
• Examples: company records or archives, government publications, industry
analyses offered by the media, web sites, the internet, and so on.
• Advantages of Secondary data:
• Ease of access
• Low cost or free
• Time saving
• Larger sample size
• Anyone can collect the data
• Generating new insights and understandings from previous analysis

15. DATA COLLECTION METHODS
• Data collection methods are an integral part of research.
• There are several data collection methods, each with its own
advantages and disadvantages.
• Data collection methods include:
• Interviews—face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews,
computer-assisted interviews, and interviews through the
electronic media;

16. DATA COLLECTION METHODS
• Questionnaires that are either personally administered, sent
through the mail, or electronically administered;
• Observation of individuals and events with or without videotaping
or audio recording;
• Motivational techniques such as projective tests

17. DATA COLLECTION METHODS
• The choice of data collection methods depends on;
• the facilities available
• the degree of accuracy required
• the expertise of the researcher
• the time span of the study, and
• Costs and resources associated with and available for data
gathering