__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Compiled by Dr Godfred Annum of KNUST Gh; Updated, 22/05/2017 1:33 PM anngodam@yahoo.co.uk page 1 Visit virtual classroom for more lessons: http://campus.educadium.com/newmediart/file.php/1/giilmadstore/UgradResearch/acaResearch_index.htm RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS FOR DATA COLLECTION RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS These are the fact finding strategies. They are the tools for data collection. They include Questionnaire, Interview, Observation and Reading. Essentially the researcher must ensure that the instrument chosen is valid and reliable. The validity and reliability of any research project depends to a large extent on the appropriateness of the instruments. Whatever procedure one uses to collect data, it must be critically examined to check the extent to which it is likely to give you the expected results. Questionnaire • This is a data collection instrument mostly used in normative surveys. This is a systematically prepared form or document with a set of questions deliberately designed to elicit responses from respondents or research informants for the purpose of collecting data or information. • It is a form of inquiry document, which contains a systematically compiled and well organised series of questions intended to elicit the information which will provide insight into the nature of the problem under study. • It is a form that contains a set of questions on a topic or group of topics designed to be answered by the respondent. • The respondents are the population samples of the study. The answers provided by the respondents constitute the data for the report. The effective use of questionnaire for data collection depends on the mode of formulation and administration of the questions, the medium of delivering the questionnaire and the method of contacting respondents for retrieval of the questionnaire. These modes affect the credibility and quality of the data obtained. Note that the respondent is not under any obligation to respond to the questionnaire. The respondent therefore has to be influenced in order to submit accurate data to the questions administered. Read more for some expect strategies. Questionnaires Types of Questionnaires Questionnaires may be designed as Structured or closed form unstructured, open ended form Structured questionnaires They are those in which some control or guidance is given for the answer. This may be described as closed form because the questions are basically short, requiring the respondent to provide a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response, or checking an item out of a list of given responses. Questions that require yes or no answers are also termed as Dichotomous questions. It may, also be multiple choice options from which the respondent selects the answer closer to their own opinion. The respondent's choices are limited to the set of options provided. Unstructured questionnaire