Data Collection Tool

Data collection tool

This section is essential for providing readers with a clear understanding of the specific tool used for data collection and the rationale behind its selection. By detailing the tool and explaining why it was chosen, readers gain insights into how it aligns with the study’s objectives, enhances data quality, and addresses any unique challenges of the research. This transparency helps readers assess the reliability and validity of the data collection process, ensuring they can better interpret the study’s findings. 

Describing your data collection tool

1. Introduction to the Data Collection Tool(s)

• Briefly introduce the data collection tool(s) used and explain why they were chosen for your research. Highlight their relevance to your research objectives or questions.

• Mention if the tool is pre-existing (e.g., a standardized questionnaire) or newly developed. If newly developed, where did you get the insight from? (eg; AI, literature then you list some)

• If an expert, like your supervisor, provided feedback, describe their role in refining the instrument. You may also note any changes made based on this feedback, offering a glimpse of how the tool evolved from its initial version to the final, polished instrument. 

Example: The data collection tool used in this study was the [Name of Tool- survey, interview guide, or observation checklist, etc.], developed by [Author/Institution/self-designed, and year of publication]. This tool was chosen because...

2. Description of the Tool

• Structure and Components: Outline the tool’s design, including any sections or subscales. For surveys or questionnaires, provide details on the types of items (e.g., multiple-choice, Likert scale, open-ended) and the main topics or themes addressed. If the tool is an interview guide, list the key areas covered.

• Scoring and Interpretation: Describe how responses are scored or interpreted. If using a scale, clarify the scoring process and explain what different score ranges represent.

• Language Used and Rationale: Specify the language of the tool and the reason for this choice, particularly if language choice was important for accessibility or cultural relevance.

Example: The final instrument comprised [number] items that were divided into [number] subscales or sections: [describe subscales/sections]." 

3. Customization or Adaptation

• If you adapted or modified the tool to suit your study, explain the changes and their rationale. For instance, discuss how you ensured the tool’s relevance to your target population (e.g., making the language simpler or culturally appropriate).

4. Reliability and Validity

• Discuss the tool's reliability, providing details such as Cronbach’s alpha if applicable. Mention any previous studies that reported on the tool’s reliability and validity.

• If you conducted a pilot study to assess the reliability or made modifications, describe the outcomes and adjustments. (This may be necessary)

Note: Reliability and validity considerations may be optional for undergraduate-level research but add depth to graduate or advanced studies.