Start at the Beginning How do we collect information to answer questions?
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Transcript of Start at the Beginning How do we collect information to answer questions?
Start at the BeginningHow do we collect information to
answer questions?
Collecting InformationThree Methods People Generally
Use to Collect Information
◦Analyze Content of Objects/Situations
◦Ask Questions
◦Observe Behavior
Collecting Information The research process utilizes data collection
techniques that can be classified under each of these commonly used methods. For instance:
◦ Content analysis analyzes the content of inanimate objects.
◦ Surveys ask written questions of program participants to assess the impact of program on attitudes and self reported behavior.
◦ Participant observation outlines how researchers should systematically observe behavior to answer research questions.
Collecting InformationMethod One
◦Content Analysis Step 1 – Select an Object/Event Step 2 – Look for Patterns
(Similarities/Differences) Step 3 – Draw Generalizations Through
the Process of Induction
Collecting InformationMethod One - Example
◦Content Analysis Step 1 – Select newspaper headlines from
newspapers across times Step 2 – Are there any patterns in
headlines looking across time? Step 3 – Draw Generalizations Through
the Process of Induction
Collecting InformationMethod One - Example
◦Content Analysis Step 1 – Select Newspaper Headlines Step 2 – Notice the way people of color
are described varies across time Step 3 – Description of people of color is
getting more positive across time
Collecting InformationMethod Two
◦Asking Questions Step 1 – Select type
Survey Pre-test/post-test survey Intensive Interview, etc.
Step 2 – Construct indicators Step 3 – Collect data by asking questions Step 4 – Analysis data
Collecting InformationMethod Two - Example
◦Asking Questions Step 1 – Do pre/post-test surveys Step 2 – Construct questions to ask about
attitudes toward education Step 3 – Collect questions about attitudes
toward education before participation in program and after participation
Step 4 – Use computer program (SAS) to compare differences in attitudes before and after
Collecting InformationMethod Three
◦Participant Observation Step 1 - Observe behavior Step 2 – Observe patterns of behavior Step 3 - Draw Generalizations based on
the Process of Induction
Collecting InformationMethod Three - Example
◦Participant Observation Step 1 – Observe boys and girls playing Step 2 – Notice that boys play with
building blocks and girls play with dolls Step 3 – Boys play with toys that lead to
more achievement oriented activities while girls play with toys that lead to more nurturing oriented activities
The Research ProcessDeciding on how you will collect
your information is an important part of the research process and should be done before you begin
Please Note: You can use more than one method to collect data for a single project
Questions or Comments, Contact:
Dr. Carol Albrecht◦Assessment Specialist USU Ext◦[email protected]◦(979) 777-2421