Data Collection

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, data collection methods, test types, observation forms, and ethical considerations.

Data Collection

A systematic process of gathering relevant information, observations, or measurements.

Questionnaire

A research instrument consisting of a set of questions that aims to collect information from a respondent, typically using a mix of close-ended and open-ended questions.

Structured Questionnaire

A type of questionnaire that employs closed-ended questions.

Unstructured Questionnaire

A type of questionnaire that uses open-ended questions.

Semi-structured Questionnaire

A type of questionnaire that combines both structured and unstructured question formats.

Tests

Research instruments used for measuring various skills, types of behavior, personality, achievement, performance, or specific knowledge and cognitive activity.

Standardized Test

A test administered to a group of people in a highly consistent manner (same questions, same time, same scoring), making it more reliable and valid.

Non-standardized Test

A test that assesses an individual's abilities or performances without allowing fair comparison to another individual, and is not necessarily scored uniformly.

Recall Questions

Test questions requiring participants to recall information from memory, such as fill-in-the-blank, identification, or enumeration tests.

Recognition Questions

Test questions that allow participants to select the best or correct choice from given options, such as multiple-choice or true-or-false tests.

Open-ended Questions

Test questions that allow participants freedom in expressing their thoughts and insights, such as essay writing or performance-based tests.

Quantitative Interviews

Interviews, also known as survey interviews, that follow structured question-and-answer formats with a large sample size.

Qualitative Interviews

Informal, unstructured, semi-structured, or focus group discussions (FGD) also referred to as intensive or in-depth interviews.

Observation

A data collection method involving systematically selecting, watching, listening, reading, touching, and recording behavior and characteristics of living beings, objects, or phenomena.

Hawthorne Effect

A phenomenon where subjects of an experimental study attempt to change or improve their behavior simply because it is being evaluated or studied.

Controlled Observation

A form of observation where researchers watch participants in a contained environment (such as a laboratory) with predetermined variables and perform a non-participant role.

Natural Observation

A form of observation involving observing subjects in their natural, noncontrolled environment, providing greater ecological validity.

Ecological Validity

The flexibility of research findings to be generalized to real-life contexts.

Participant Observation

An observation method where the researcher spends time with a group of people to closely observe their actions, speech patterns, and norms, participating either covertly or overtly.

Covert Observation

A form of observation where participants are not aware of the purpose behind the observation.

Overt Observation

A form of observation where participants know the intention or objectives of the observation.

Google Forms

Free online tools that allow researchers to construct, administer, and analyze surveys.

Informed Consent Form

A document ensuring human participants freely enter research with full information about what participation entails and give consent before participating.