VSCPD_ActionResearch_Wk4_Article_Chapter5ActionResearch_PPT_TC03292022.pptx

VSCPD_ActionResearch_Wk4_Article_Chapter5ActionResearch_PPT_TC03292022.pptx

Chapter 5: Data Gathering

Qualitative Data Collection: Accuracy, Credibility, Dependability

Qualitative

Data Collection:

Observations

Interviews

Journals

Existing

Documents

Quantitative Data Collection:Validity, Reliability

Quantitative

Data Collection

Surveys,

Questionnaires,

Rating Scales

Checklists

Tests and

Other Formal

Instruments

Qualitative Data Collection: Observations

Observation: carefully watching, systematically recording what is seen and heard in a particular setting ( Schmuck, 1997).

Structured Observation: observer is looking for specific behaviors, reactions, or interactions.

Unstructured, Semi-structured: observer flexible. May engage in brief, intense periods of observation, note-taking.

Qualitative Data Collection: Observations

Field notes: two columns: (1) Observations,

(2) Comments, interpretations, meanings.

Observation Limitations: Effects of observer, large volume, variance between observers.

"Write what you See": most effective way to observe. Videotaping?

Later transcription? Patterns?

Qualitative Data Collection: Interviews

Interviews: Teacher/researcher questions posed to study participants: formal, informal.

Individual, Group Interviews, Focus Groups.

Interview Guide: Specific or general questions to be asked prior to interview.

Structured Interview: Pre-determined ????

Semi-structured Interview: Base questions.

Open-ended Interviews: Few, broad ???

Qualitative Data Collection: Journals

Data Journals: kept by teachers or students.

Student Journals: daily thoughts, perceptions, experiences.

Teacher Journals: narrative accounts of personal reflections on professional practice.

Class Journal: blank notebook passed around in class or in learning center.

Qualitative Data Collection: Existing Documents and Records

Existing Records: Curriculum materials, textbooks, reports, projects, test scores, grades, discipline records, portfolios.

Data: Retention rates, attendance, graduation rates, socioeconomic data, etc.

Other: Meeting minutes, newspaper stories, standardized test reports, discipline referrals, classroom artifacts.

Caution: Ethical use. Student privacy.

Qualitative Data Collection: Accuracy, Credibility, Dependability

Data Quality: accurate recording, organized processes, match between data gathered and research question.

Triangulation: multiple data sources.

Member Checking: sharing interview transcripts, comments, w/ study participants.

Prolonged Engagement, Persistent Observation: 'thick-description', not 'thin'.

Quantitative Data Collection: Surveys, Questionnaires, Rating Scales

Survey Design: Open-ended questions? Multiple Choice? Likert Scale?

Age – Appropriate?

Design affects Data: Consider implications.

Self-assessment.

Focus: Each item focuses on single concept.

Brevity: Each question, clear, necessary.

Unbiased: No leading questions.

Quantitative Data: Checklists Surveys:

Formal Tests, Existing Records: Can be used 'quantitatively' too.

Checklists.

Pre-Tests, Post-Tests:

Specifically designed for study.

Standardized Tests:

Standardized 'Surveys‘:

developed for specific purposes.

Quantitative Data Collection: Validity, Reliability

Validity: degree to which all accumulated evidence matches intended interpretation (p. 111,AERA, APA & NCME, 1999).

Reliability: consistency of connected data.

Internal Consistency: statistical estimate of data reliability:

Kuder-Richardson formula 21: or KR-21

r = (K) (SD)2 – M(K – M)

(SD)2 (K – 1)

References:

1) Mertler, C. A. (2014). Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators, 4th ed. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publishers.