446). Again, since data collection methods are relevant to specific research studies based on their questions, hypotheses, and literature reviews, this funneling of "phenomena of interest" should ideally suit most research studies -- so long as the those methods are tailored to meet a particular study. When researchers have narrowed down certain characteristics or behaviors that they are looking to observe in their study, they can do with a variety of technological applications for auditory or visually recording their sample participants, and do in increments with measures such as rating scales or checklists -- each of which allows a researcher to denote how much of what he or she is looking for is actually being observed.
Measurement, the assigning of numeric values to certain attributes identified and researched within a study, is an integral component of gauging how much of a particular characteristic one is able to observe, either through conventional observation, self-reports, or by bio-physiologic means of collecting data. When determining an actual score of an attributes measuring, it is necessary to factor in an error of measurement since all implements have some capacity for error. It is necessary to determine the amount of reliability and validity that an instrument has before attempting to use it to collect data (Golafshani, 2003, p. 597). These concerns are primarily associated with quantitative data collection,...
Other points of consideration when selecting instruments for quantitative studies include assessing its content validity index as well as its reliability and correlation co-efficient.
References
Chowdhurry, J., Reardon, J., Srivastava, R. (1998). "Alternative modes of measuring store image: An empirical assessment of structured vs. unstructured measures." Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice. 6 (2): 72-86.
Golafshani, N. (2003). "Understanding validity and reliability in qualitative research." The Qualitative Report. 8(4): 597-607. Retrieved from http://peoplelearn.homestead.com/medhome/qualitative/reliab.validity.pdf
Kimberlin, C.L, Winterstein, a.G. (2008). "Validity and reliability of measurement instruments in research." AM J. Health Syst Pharmacy. 65: 2276-2284. Retrieved from http://www.ashpfoundation.org/MainMenuCategories/ResearchResourceCenter/FosteringYoungInvestigators/AJHPResearchFundamentalsSeries/KimberlinArticle.aspx
Levine, H.G., Gallimore, R., Weisner, T.S., Turner, J.L. (1980). "Teaching participant-observation research methods: a skills building approach." Anthropology and Education Quarterly. 11(1): 38-54.
Polit, D.F., & Beck, C.T. (2008). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice, (8th ed.). New York: Lippincott Wililams & Wilkins.
