RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS FOR QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Padama discusses research instruments for both quantitative and qualitative studies, emphasizing the importance of validation and reliability. She categorizes instruments into standardized, researcher-made, and modified standardized tools, detailing the necessary permissions and validation processes for each. For qualitative research, methods such as interviews, focus groups, and document analysis are highlighted, while quantitative research relies on surveys, questionnaires, checklists, and tests. This guide aims to help researchers select appropriate instruments and enhance their study’s credibility.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research instruments are tools used to collect data in both quantitative and qualitative research.
• 📊 Quantitative research requires instruments that yield numerical data, while qualitative research focuses on narrative data.
• 🔍 A good research instrument must be validated and reliable to ensure it meets the research objectives.
• 📑 Standardized instruments are pre-validated tools that have been used in previous studies.
• 🛠️ Researcher-made instruments are created by the researcher when no suitable existing instrument is found, necessitating validation.
• ✏️ Modified standardized instruments require permission from the original owner and must undergo validation after changes are made.
• 👥 Qualitative research methods include observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis.
• 📋 Common quantitative instruments include surveys, questionnaires, checklists, and tests used for experimental research.
• 📊 Surveys often combine tables and scales to analyze responses quantitatively.
• ✅ The consistency of an instrument’s results (reliability) is crucial for valid research outcomes.

Q & A

What is a research instrument?

A research instrument is a tool used to collect and gather data relevant to a research study.

What are the two main types of research methods discussed?

The two main types of research methods discussed are quantitative and qualitative research.

What are the key characteristics of a good research instrument?

A good research instrument should be validated and reliable, ensuring the content is relevant and that results are consistent.

What is validation in the context of research instruments?

Validation determines the relevance and appropriateness of the content in relation to the research objectives.

How does reliability differ from validation?

Reliability refers to the consistency of results when an instrument is used multiple times, while validation focuses on the relevance of the instrument's content.

What are standardized instruments?

Standardized instruments are tools that have already been used in other studies and have undergone validation.

What should a researcher do if they need to use a standardized instrument?

They should seek permission from the instrument's owner before using it in their study.

What is a researcher-made instrument?

A researcher-made instrument is created by the researcher when no suitable standardized instrument is available, and it requires validation.

What are the types of data collected in qualitative research?

Qualitative research collects narrative data through methods such as observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis.

What instruments are commonly used in quantitative research?

Common instruments in quantitative research include surveys, questionnaires, checklists, and tests used for experimental research.