SayPro TOOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION

The various methods of data gathering involve the use of appropriate recording forms. These are called tools or instruments of data collection. They consist of· Observation schedule· Interview guide· Interview schedule· Mailed questionnaire· Rating scale· Checklist· Document schedule/data sheet· Schedule for institutionsEach of the above tools is used for a specific method of data gathering: Observation schedule for observation method, interview schedule and interview guide for interviewing, questionnaire for mail survey, and so on.FunctionsThe tools of data collection translate the research objectives into specific questions/ items, the responses to which will provide the data required to achieve the research objectives. In order to achieve this pur-pose, each question/item must convey to the respondent the idea or group of ideas required by the research objectives, and each item must obtain a response which can be analysed for fulfilling the research objectives.Information gathered through the tools provides descriptions of char-acteristics of individuals, institutions or other phenomena under study. It is useful for measuring the various variables pertaining to the study. The variables and their interrelationships are analysed for testing the hypothesis or for exploring the content areas set by the research objec-tives.A brief description of the various tools of data collection is given below.Observation scheduleThis is a form on which observations of an object or a phenomenon are recorded. The items to be observed are determined with reference to the nature and objectives of the study. They are grouped into appropriate categories and listed in the schedule in the order in which the observer would observe them.The schedule must be so devised as to provide the required verifiable and quantifiable data and to avoid selective bias and misinterpretation of observed items. The units of observation must be simple, and meticulously worded so as to facilitate precise and uniform recording.Interview guideThis is used for non-directive and depth interviews. It does not contain a complete list of items on which information has to be elicited from a respondent: it just contains only the broad topics or areas to be covered in the interview.Interview guide serves as a suggestive reference or prompter during interview. It aids in focussing attention on salient points relating to the study and in securing comparable data in different interviews by the same or different interviewers.Interview schedule and mailed QuestionnaireBoth these tools are widely used in surveys.Both are complete lists of questions on which information is elicited from the respondents. The basic difference between them lies in recording responses. While the interviewer fills out a schedule, the respondent completes a questionnaire.Rating ScaleThis is a recording form used for measuring individual’s attitudes, aspirations and other psychological and behavioural aspects, and group behaviour.ChecklistThis is the simplest of all the devices. It consists of a prepared list of items pertinent to an object or a particular task. The presence or absence of each item may be indicated by checking ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or multipoint scale. The use of a checklist ensures a more complete consideration of all aspects of the object, act or task. Checklists contain terms, which the respondent understands, and which more briefly and succinctly express his views than answers to open-ended question. It is a crude device, but careful pre-test can make it less so. It is at best when used to test specific hypothesis. It may be used as an independent tool or as a part of a schedule/question-naire.Document Schedule/Data Sheet.This is a list of items of information to be obtained from documents, records and other materials. In order to secure measurable data, the items included in the schedule are limited to those that can be uniformly secured from a large number of case histories or other records.Schedule for InstitutionsThis is used for survey of organisations like business enterprises, educational institutions, social or cultural organisations and the like. It will include various categories of data relating to their profile, functions and performance. These data are gathered from their records, annual reports and financial statements.Please visit our website at www.saypro.online Email: info@saypro.online Email: info@saypro.online Call: + 27 11 071 1903 WhatsApp: + 27 84 313 7407. Comment below for any questions and feedback. For SayPro Courses, SayPro Jobs, SayPro Community Development, SayPro Products, SayPro Services, SayPro Consulting, and SayPro Advisory visit our website to www.saypro.online