Module 6: Tools for Data Collection

Flashcards of key terms and definitions from the lecture notes.

Sampling

The process of selecting a representative subset of a population for a study.

Case Sampling

Identifying your target participants.

Sampling Groups of Cases

Determining where to find your participants.

Material Sampling

Identifying which tools you will use to collect data from participants.

Sampling within the Material

Determining which collected data will be used or analyzed.

Presentational Sampling

Choosing which data should be used to represent the study's outcomes.

Probability Sampling

A sampling method where respondents are selected purely by chance, giving everyone in the population an equal chance to participate.

Non-Probability Sampling

A sampling technique prone to bias due to the pre-selection of respondents.

Simple Random Sampling

Samples are identified randomly using statistical and mathematical computations.

Systematic Sampling

Selecting samples by setting a fixed interval (e.g., every 5th member) to determine the sample.

Stratified Sampling

The population is divided into different groups/strata based on criteria, and then individuals are randomly selected from these groups.

Cluster Sampling

Individuals are randomly selected from naturally occurring groups (e.g., sections in a school).

Purposive Sampling

Samples are targeted and selected based on a criterion set by the researcher related to the research objectives.

Convenience Sampling

The sampling group is identified based on the convenience of the researcher and their availability.

Snowball Sampling

The identification of the sample group is accumulative and can come from populations not initially known to the researcher, often relying on referrals.

Quota Sampling

The population is filtered based on a criterion set by the researcher, looking for specific characteristics in individuals that may or may not directly link to the research question/objective.

Voluntary Sampling

Choosing samples who are very much willing to participate as respondents.

Observation/Fieldwork

A data collection method used when a participant can be observed directly.

Participant Observation

The researcher is immersed for prolonged periods in the setting where the participants/phenomenon is observed.

Non-Participant Observation

The researcher is NOT immersed in the setting, or the participants are unaware of the researcher’s presence.

Structured/Systematic Observation

The researcher establishes specific rules for the observation and schedule, and the participant is informed ahead of time.

Unstructured Observation

There are no rules or guidelines set for the observation, allowing a more freeform or narrative means of data collection.

Simple Observation

The participant is unaware of the researcher, and the researcher does not interact or involve themselves in the setting.

Contrived Observation

The researcher can change or has control over some factors in the setting to see how participants react to specified situations.

Interviews

A data collection method used when a participant can be interviewed directly.

Structured Interview

These are “oral questionnaires” with a list of predefined questions that permits limited participant responses.

Semi-Structured Interview

The researcher begins with a set of key questions, but the participant is given more freedom to explain certain topics.

Unstructured Interview

Participants are asked one general question and can explain their responses in depth; further questions are based on their answers.

Analysis of Documents and Audio-visual Materials

A method often used to validate data collected through other methods, involving the analysis of documents or materials to give meaning around an assessment/topic.

Narrative Data Presentation

Focused on telling a story using the results.

Chronological Data Presentation

Data presented according to the narrative described by each participant.

Thematic Data Presentation

Data is presented in a way that it revolves around a particular time.

Visual Representation Data Presentation

Data presented as charts or tables.

Sampling Decisions

Areas of the research process where sampling decisions are applied, according to Flick (2009).

Representative Sample

Ensuring the selected data accurately mirrors the broader characteristics of the whole population.

Population

The entire group of individuals, items, or events that a study is investigating.

Convenience Sampling

Selecting participants who are easily accessible or readily available.

Probability Sampling

Samples are identified through mathematical probability.

Non-Probability Sampling

Samples are identified without mathematical probability.

Collection of Documents

This data can be collected through public records, personal documents, artifacts, videos, and drawings/pictures.

Validation

This process is a means of validating data collected through other methods.

Authenticity

The determination of validity in qualitative research.

Dependability

The determination of reliability in qualitative research.

Study Design

A detailed plan outlining the specific methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing data.

Reliability

The accuracy and consistency of data collection methods.

Validity

The extent to which a study measures what it intends to measure.

Pilot Study

A preliminary study conducted before the main study to test the feasibility and refine the methods.

Specific Characteristics

Characteristics of individuals in quota sampling.

Participant Reactions

Researchers have control over factors in the setting to see how participants react.

Participant Selection

Selecting participants by pure chance so everyone participates.

Data Collection

Can be useful in collecting prelimary data.

Participant Answers

Participants answer questions in depth to explain their responses.

Method of Data

Data that can be presented as either charts or tables.

Research Goal

Used to study the impact of a disease on family members.

Oral Questionnaires

These are oral questionnairs where there is a limited amount of answers.

Researchers' Choice

Researchers select people that are willing to participate.

Researcher Involvement

Researcher asks a set of key questions for the study.

Researchers in the Field

Researchers immerse themselves in an enviornment for the study.

Sample Group

Samples can be accumulative from the population

Sampling Respondants

Sampling relies on selection of respondants.

Population Seperation

Dividing the population into different groups for testing.

Interview Usability

Used when the participants can be interviewed directly.

Observation Usability

Used when the participants can be observed directly.

Scheduled Observation

Researcher follows a specific schedule for observation.

Habit Study

Study is done on people with smoking habits.

Disease Study

Study on the effects of Alzheimer's.

Established Rules

Researcher establishes specific rules for observations.

Sampling Tool

Tool used during material sampling.

Sample Setup

Setting a fixed interval to determine the sample.

Population Filter

The population is filtered for specific characteristics.

Setting Involvement

The researcher is immersed in the setting to the enviornment.

Opposite Interviews

The opposite of structured interviews.

Criteria Divider

The population is divided into criteria set by the researcher

School Selection

Requires the researcher to randomly select a section in the school.

Pure Chance

Selecting respondants on pure chance

Researcher Study

The researcher studies the population.

Setting Control

Researcher controls some factors of the setting.

Researcher tools

Tool that can be public records or personal documents.

Determining Participants

Determining what happens to the participants during material sampling.

Data Help

Helps determine what data to use for data sampling.

Outcome Story

Narrative that uses storytelling to make outcomes.

Data Representation

This will make the data very representative of all data.

Researcher Answers

This data helps provide answers to question.

Data Process

Process of validating through data presented.

Pro-Longed Observation

Used for prolonged period of time for the researcher.

Data Sample

Used for a preliminary data sample.

Researcher Helper

Helps the accuracy and consistency of the researcher.

Measurable Study

Extents to find how a study can measure the results.

Reliable Study

Makes the experiment easier and more reliable.

Subject Sampling

The most willing subjects are sampled.

Data Target

A group that the researcher targets for data.

Identified Group

The group that is identified based on convinience

Unknown Population

Samples can come from initially unkown populations.

Objective Filter

Population is filtered based on the objective.

Oral Questionnaires

These questionnaires have an oral setup.

Populations

The selected sample colors in circles representing the populations.

Collection tool

Tool used for data collection.

Observation Details

Data and results from observations.

Q and A

A method that is used when subjects are able to answer questions.

Story narrative

The narrative of the story being told.