1. 1Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 20
Collecting and Managing Data

2. 2Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Planning Data Collection
 Identify the data to be collected
 Research questions, objectives, or hypotheses
 Cost
 Time
 Availability of assistance
 Consistency
 Data collection forms
 Code book
 Pilot test

3. 3Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Data Collection Modes
 Interview
 Observations
 Focus groups
 Self-administered surveys
 Medical records
 Government records
 Electronic Data Collection
 Phones and PDAs

4. 4Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Four Factors of Decision-Making
 Purpose and complexity
 Availability of financial and physical resources
 Characteristics of study participants and
gaining access to them from the population
 Skills and preferences as a researcher

5. 5Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Factors Influencing Data
Collection
 Cost
 Measurement tools
 Consultation with Statistician
 Time
 Recruiting and enrolling of subjects
 Unexpected events
 Consistency
 Time of year, days, hours
 Interrater reliability

6. 6Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Availability of Assistance
 Research assistant
 Physician
 Nurses
 Other health professionals

7. 7Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Coding
 Data collection forms
 Demographics
 Patient record, observations, physiologic values
 Coding is the process of transforming data
into numerical symbols
 Mutually exclusive and exhaustive
 Code book with meanings
 Master list stored and encrypted
 One instrument or booklet for several instruments

8. 8Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Detailed Plan
 Who
 What
 When
 Where
 Why
 How

9. 9Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Decision Points
 Subjects meeting inclusion/exclusion
 Understanding by subjects for informed
consent
 Comprehension of instructions
 All data provided by subject

10. 10Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Developing a Code Book
 Identify and define each variable
 Abbreviated variable name
 Descriptive label
 Range of possible numerical values for
variables
 Missing values
 Provide details to data collectors
 Pilot study

11. 11Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Collecting Data
 Data collection tasks
 Maintaining control
 Problem-solving
 Data collection problems
 People problems
 Samples
 Attrition
 Subject as object
 External influences on subjects

12. 12Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Collecting Data (Cont’d)
 Researcher problems
 Researcher interactions
 Lack of skill in data collection techniques
 Researcher role conflict
 Maintaining perspective
 Institutional problems
 Event problems
 Serendipity
 Staying on track

13. 13Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Support Systems
 Academic committees
 Institutional support
 Colleague support
 Data safety and monitoring board

14. 14Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Managing Data
 Large databases
 Prepare for computer entry
 Missing data
 Two responses to questions
 Marked responses between two choices
 Written answers
 Data entry period
 Distractions avoided
 Limit entry periods
 Storage and retrieval of data