Module 10: Data Collection Methods

Semi-structured Approach

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• Systematic and follow general procedures but data are not collected in exactly the same way every time
• More open and fluid
• Does not follow a rigid script
• may ask for more detail
• people can tell what they want in their own way

Use Semi-structured Approach when:

• IPDET © 2009

• conducting exploratory work
• seeking understanding, themes, and/or issues
• need narratives or stories
• want in-depth, rich, “backstage” information
• seek to understand results of data that are unexpected

Characteristics of Good Measures

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• Is the measure relevant?
• Is the measure credible?
• Is the measure valid?
• Is the measure reliable?

Relevance

• Does the measure capture what matters?

• Do not measure what is easy instead of what is needed

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Credibility

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• Is the measure believable? Will it be viewed as a reasonable and appropriate way to capture the information sought?

Internal Validity

• How well does the measure capture what it is supposed to?

• Are waiting lists a valid measure of demand?

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Reliability

• A measure’s precision and stability- extent to which the same result would be obtained with repeated trials

• How reliable are:
• birth weights of newborn infants?
• speeds measured by a stopwatch?

• IPDET © 2009