Start at the BeginningHow do we collect information to

answer questions?

Collecting InformationThree Methods People Generally

Use to Collect Information

◦Analyze Content of Objects/Situations

◦Ask Questions

◦Observe Behavior

Collecting Information The research process utilizes data collection

techniques that can be classified under each of these commonly used methods. For instance:

◦ Content analysis analyzes the content of inanimate objects.

◦ Surveys ask written questions of program participants to assess the impact of program on attitudes and self reported behavior.

◦ Participant observation outlines how researchers should systematically observe behavior to answer research questions.

Collecting InformationMethod One

◦Content Analysis Step 1 – Select an Object/Event Step 2 – Look for Patterns

(Similarities/Differences) Step 3 – Draw Generalizations Through

the Process of Induction

Collecting InformationMethod One - Example

◦Content Analysis Step 1 – Select newspaper headlines from

newspapers across times Step 2 – Are there any patterns in

headlines looking across time? Step 3 – Draw Generalizations Through

the Process of Induction

Collecting InformationMethod One - Example

◦Content Analysis Step 1 – Select Newspaper Headlines Step 2 – Notice the way people of color

are described varies across time Step 3 – Description of people of color is

getting more positive across time

Collecting InformationMethod Two

◦Asking Questions Step 1 – Select type

Survey Pre-test/post-test survey Intensive Interview, etc.

Step 2 – Construct indicators Step 3 – Collect data by asking questions Step 4 – Analysis data

Collecting InformationMethod Two - Example

◦Asking Questions Step 1 – Do pre/post-test surveys Step 2 – Construct questions to ask about

attitudes toward education Step 3 – Collect questions about attitudes

toward education before participation in program and after participation

Step 4 – Use computer program (SAS) to compare differences in attitudes before and after

Collecting InformationMethod Three

◦Participant Observation Step 1 - Observe behavior Step 2 – Observe patterns of behavior Step 3 - Draw Generalizations based on

the Process of Induction

Collecting InformationMethod Three - Example

◦Participant Observation Step 1 – Observe boys and girls playing Step 2 – Notice that boys play with

building blocks and girls play with dolls Step 3 – Boys play with toys that lead to

more achievement oriented activities while girls play with toys that lead to more nurturing oriented activities

The Research ProcessDeciding on how you will collect

your information is an important part of the research process and should be done before you begin

Please Note: You can use more than one method to collect data for a single project

Questions or Comments, Contact:

Dr. Carol Albrecht◦Assessment Specialist USU Ext◦carol.albrecht@usu.edu◦(979) 777-2421