FMPSY Data Gathering

Guide on how to conduct effective data gathering (10)

1. Define Research Objectives

2. Develop Data Collection Instruments

3. Sampling

4. Ensure Ethical Considerations

5. Pilot Testing

6. Gather Data

7. Data Management and Storage

8. Analyze the Data

9. Report Findings

10. Review and Reflect

Define Research Objectives (2)

• Clear Research Question

• Purpose and Scope

Clear Research Question

Formulate a precise research question or hypothesis.

Purpose and Scope

Clearly define the scope of the research, including the variables of interest, population, and context.

Develop Data Collection Instruments (2)

• Ensure Clarity

• Interview Guides

Ensure Clarity

Ensure clarity in wording, appropriate scaling (e.g., Likert scale), and pilot testing.

Interview Guides

Prepare open-ended questions that guide but don’t restrict responses.

Sampling (2)

• Target Population

• Sampling Techniques

Target Population

Identify the population from which you will draw your sample.

Sampling Techniques (4)

• Random Sampling

• Purposive Sampling

• Snowball Sampling

• Convenience Sampling

Random Sampling

Every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Purposive Sampling

Selected participants or units based on specific characteristics or criteria.

Snowball Sampling

Participants recruit future participants from among their acquaintances.

Convenience Sampling

Based on availability and willingness to participate.

Ensure Ethical Considerations (3)

• Informed Consent

• Confidentiality

• Non-Harm

Informed Consent

Ensure participants are fully aware of the purpose of the study and provide consent.

Confidentiality

Ensure that personal data is protected.

Non-Harm

Make sure data collection doesn’t harm participants physically, emotionally, or psychologically.

Pilot Testing (2)

• Pilot Study

• Revise Instruments

Pilot Study

Test data collection methods on a small scale to identify issues with the design or instruments.

Revise Instruments

Based on pilot results, make necessary adjustments to ensure clarity and reliability.

Gather Data (3)

• Maintain Consistency

• Recording

• Monitor Data Quality

Maintain Consistency

Ensure consistency in how data is gathered, using clear procedures and guidelines.

Recording

If using interviews, audio or video record sessions where possible. In surveys, keep responses securely stored.

Monitor Data Quality

Check for completeness and accuracy during collection.

Data Management and Storage (3)

• Organize Data

• Backup

• Data Privacy

Organize Data

Use logical system to organize data for easy analysis (e.g., coding qualitative responses, entering quantitative data into software).

Backup

Regularly back up collected data to prevent loss.

Data Privacy

Store data in secure, encrypted environments if necessary.

Analyze the Data (2)

• Qualitative Analysis

• Quantitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Use thematic analysis, coding frameworks, or content analysis to derive meaning from non-numeric data.

Quantitative Analysis

Use statistical methods like regression, t-tests, or ANOVA to interpret numeric data.

Report Findings (2)

• Interpret Data

• Transparency

Interpret Data

Relate your findings back to the research questions or hypotheses.

Transparency

Ensure that the methods and procedures for data gathering are clearly documented in your final report to maintain credibility.

Review and Reflect (1)

• Evaluate the Process

Evaluate the Process

Reflect on the data gathering process to identify what worked well and what would could be improved for future studies.