MODULE #2 Flashcards
Methods of collecting data
The following are the ways to collect data
- Use of already existing or available detail
- Use of observers’ data
- The use of self recording or the reporting approach
- Use of Delphi Technique
- Critical incident technique
Form basic documents such as records of patients’ admissions, birth dates, and discharges among others.
Raw data
Indicating number of patients admitted or discharged by year or month or total number of deliveries, surgeries or the workload of nurses.
Tubular data
These are gathered through actual observation and recording of events. For ethical reasons the subject must be informed that they are being observed.
Observers data
Types of observers
Non-participant observer
Participant observer
This observer does not share the same milieu with the subjects and is not a member of the group or subjects of the study. Data from this source have the advantage of high level precision because subjective judgment is minimal.
Non-participant observer
The observer identifies herself and her task of conducting research and informing the subjects of the types of data to be collected
Overt Non-participant observer
The observer
does not identify herself to the subjects she will observe. This may not be ethical since the latter have the right to be informed of activities being involved in the process of research investigation.
Covert Non-participant Observer
The observer shares the same millieu and is better acquainted with the subjects. Observer may be a member of the group assigned to collect data while taking part in the activity of the subjects.
Participant observer
The observer is involved with the subject and has full knowledge and awareness of the subjects to be observed
Overt participant observer
The observer interacts with the subjects and observes their behavior without their knowledge. This may be construed by the subjects as spying who might find out the real purpose of the observer’s activity. This may have ethical implications similar to those of the convert non participant observer.
covert participant observer
Two methods of observations
structured observations
unstructured observation
These are done when the researcher has prior knowledge of the phenomenon of interest. The behavior checklist may help indicate the frequency of the subjects observe behavior
structured observations
The researcher attempts to describe the events or behavior with no preconceived ideas of what will be seen or observed. This requires a high degree of attention and concentration on the part of the researche.
unstructured observation
Uses as a specially prepared document intended to collect data.
Called instruments
Self recording and reporting method of data collection.