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• Data collection is impossible without the use of instruments that would allow for the data to be collected
• These instruments help the researcher gather valuable information, which serves as the basis of the results of the study
• Without reliable data, the study is in itself totally invalid and unreliable
• The gathering of reliable data is possible through the use of valid, reliable, and effective research instruments
• These instruments must be designed carefully, and techniques for data collection must be planned accordingly
• Documentary Analysis


  Technique used to analyze primary and secondary sources that are available mostly in churches, schools, public or private offices, hospitals, and community, municipal, or city halls, among other institutions
• Sometimes, data are not available or are difficult to locate in these places, and the information gathered tends to be incomplete or indefinite and inconclusive
• Interview


  The instrument used in this method is the interview schedule
• The skill of the interviewer determines if the interviewee is able to express his or her thoughts clearly
• Usually, an interview is conducted with a single person. However, there are also times when it is conducted with a group of people (around five to ten) whose opinions and experiences are elicited simultaneously. This type is called a Focus Group Discussion
• Life histories are also needed in this area. These are narratives or self-disclosures about an individual's life experiences. The interviewer must guide the respondents in narrating their accounts
• Data obtained from an interview may be recorded on audiotapes or videotapes. Today, smartphones can be used as recording devices
• Some researchers believe that writing down responses during the interview affects rapport, reduces spontaneity, and hinders eye contact
• Types of Interview


  • Unstructured
  • Structured
  • Semi-structured
• Unstructured Interview


  Can be in the form of normal conversations or a free-wheeling exchange of ideas. The researcher must be skilled in conducting the interviews so that he or she can steer the course of the conversation. The interviewer must be knowledgeable on the subject or topic of concern
• Structured Interview


  The conduct of questioning follows a particular sequence and has a well-defined content. The interviewer does not ask questions that are not part of the interview schedule
• Semi-structured Interview


  There is a specific set of questions, but there are also additional probes that may be done in an open-ended or close-ended manner. The researcher can gather additional data from a respondent to add depth and significance to the findings
• Observation


  This process or technique enables the researcher to participate actively in the conduct of the research. The instrument used in an observation is called the observation guide or observation checklist
• Observation must be done in a quiet and inconspicuous manner so as to get realistic data
• Types of Observation


  • Structured
  • Unstructured
• Structured Observation


  The researcher uses a checklist as a data collection tool. This checklist specifies expected behaviors of interest, and the researcher records the frequency of the occurrences of these behaviors
• Unstructured Observation


  The researcher observes things as they happen. The researcher conducts the observation without any preconceived ideas about what will be observed
• Physiological Measures


  The technique applied for physiological measures involves the collection of physical data from the subjects. It is considered more accurate and objective than other data collection methods. However, skills and expertise are needed to enable the researcher to use and manipulate the measurement devices
• Instruments used to collect physiological measures

  • Stethoscope
  • Thermometer
  • Weighing Scale
• Psychological Tests


  Include personality inventories and projective techniques. Personality inventories are self-reported measures that assess the differences in personality traits, needs, or values of people. Projective techniques present the subject with a stimulus designed to be ambiguous or vague in meaning, and the person is then asked to describe the stimulus or tell what the stimulus appears to represent
• Examples of personality inventories

  • Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
  • Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS)
• Examples of projective techniques


  • Rorschach Inkblot Test
  • Thematic Apperception Test
• Questionnaire


  The most commonly used instrument in research. It is a list of questions about a particular topic, with spaces provided for the response to each question, and intended to be answered by a number of persons
• The questionnaire can be structured or unstructured. Structured questionnaires provide possible answers, and respondents just have to select from them. Unstructured questionnaires do not provide options, and the respondents are free to give whatever answer they want
• The review of related literature and studies must have sufficient information and data to enable the researcher to understand thoroughly the variables being investigated in the study
• The descriptive information gathered from different sources are called indicators for the specific variable, and they are used in making sure that the content of the questionnaire is valid
• A valid indicator must be supported by previous studies done by experts
• Types of Questions


  • Recognition type
  • Completion type
  • Coding type
  • Subjective type
  • Combination type
• Recognition type


  Alternative responses are already provided, and the respondents simply choose among the given choices. It also contains close-ended questions
• Completion type


  The respondents are asked to fill in the blanks with the necessary information. Questions are open-ended
• Coding type


  Numbers are assigned to names, choices, and other pertinent data. This entails knowledge of statistics on the part of the researcher, as the application of statistical formulas is necessary to arrive at the findings
• Subjective type


  The respondents are free to give their opinions about an issue of concern
• Combination type


  The questionnaire is a combination of two or more types of questions
• State questions in an affirmative rather than in a negative manner
• Avoid ambiguous questions such as those which contain words like many, always, usually, and few