Instruments In Research – Different Types Of Instruments In Research

Instruments In Research – Different Types Of Instruments In Research

What is research?

Research is used when an investigation is systematically conducted on an issue. It entails collecting and validating data, after which the results are documented and added to the concerned body of knowledge.

Research findings are built on experiments and facts before the data is validated, so a proper guideline or plan is constructed to assist you in understanding how the research project works. Good research has the following characteristics;

• The data is accurately captured using a systematic and thorough approach and following a strict ethical code to make observations and reach a conclusion.
• Data is factual and gotten from actual observations of real-time natural settings.
• Data collection is in-depth and derived from logical reasoning involving inductive and deductive research methods.
• It is analytical and contains accurate and correct information, which guides the path for deriving new questions.

What is the purpose of research?

The most obvious purpose of research is to understand and solve a problem. In broader terms, there are three main purposes of research, namely,

1. Exploratory: here, the researcher researches to explore problems that have not been handled before to lay the foundation for more conclusive research. Answers obtained for this purpose may not conclude the identified problem.
2. Descriptive: here, the main focus is to expand on already gotten knowledge and is used to describe a population’s behaviour using only one variable as the conducted study. In simple terms, descriptive seeks to describe, explain and validate findings.
3. Explanatory: this research uses experiments to understand the impact of certain defined changes in existing standard procedures.

What is a research instrument?

For data to be collected, measured and analyzed, certain instruments must be used to collect them. These tools are what are referred to as research instruments. They serve most fields such as health science, social science and education to gather information from several respondents in their research interest.

These research instruments can include surveys, tests, interviews etc. Researchers determine the best instrument to be used, especially one that would help them gather more information about their study.

How to choose a research instrument

Choosing a research instrument can only be done after you have understood the research problem and conceptualization has been done, and the unit of analysis has been chosen.

• First, select your topic or research problem.
• Create a statement thesis that would guide your research.
• Select the types of analysis to be used.
• Research the various existing literature and write a literature review.
• Formulate questions to be answered by the research.
• Conceptualize a topic and refine your thesis.
• Choose the research method and research instrument.
• Operationalize concepts construct instruments.
• Create a strategy to collect data.
• Conduct a pilot study.
• Collect the data.
• Prepare the data for processing and analysis.
• Process and analyse the data.
• Interprets the data and makes inferences about the data.
• Write the research paper.
• Publish the data.

Characteristics of a Good Research Instrument

• It gathers suitable data that are relevant to the research topic.
• Can accurately test the hypothesis, answer the proposed research question under investigation and serve as useful to the general body of knowledge.
• It is free from bias and follows ethical standards for the study site’s context, culture, and diversity.
• It contains instructions that direct you on how instruments are used.
• Are reliable and valid.
• Follows a conceptual framework or the researcher’s understanding of the different variables and how they connect.

Types Of Research Instruments.

1. INTERVIEWS

   An interview is a research instrument under the qualitative method of communication research. Data is collected by asking verbal questions between an interviewer and interviewee. In other words, during an interview, an interviewer proposes a series of questions which an interviewee ought to provide answers for.

   These questions will typically revolve around the researcher’s qualifications, experience and opinions on diverse matters. A research can be conducted in person or physically, as well as over the phone via video conferencing. This tool has three main types: structured, unstructured, and semi-structured interviews.

   • Structured Interview: here, questions are meticulously listed, often closed-ended, resulting in a yes, no, or short response. This leaves little to no room for spontaneity. The information obtained is recorded using standard procedures.
   • Unstructured Interview: this is the exact opposite of structured interviews with open-ended questions in random order, which gives participants room to express themselves freely and elaborate their answers
   • Semi-structured interviews: this method combines both structured and unstructured interviews. They are more organized than unstructured, though not as rigid as structured interviews.

   Other types of interviews include:

   • Non-Directive Interview: An unguided interview, including open-ended questions and spontaneous engagement.
   • Focus Interview: An emphasis on the interviewees’ subjective and personal responses where the interviewer engages to elicit more information.
   • Focus Group Interview: A group of selected participants are asked about their opinion or perceptions concerning a particular topic

   Interviews give more information and allow the interviewer to connect with the participants, but the researcher must be experienced in driving a conversation and understanding body language. An audio recorder, a Notebook and a video recorder are tools used to conduct an interview.

2. FIELD OBSERVATION

   Observation is also part of the qualitative method involving no experiment and can be carried out with no tool. Observation involves going to the research field, watching the people under study, and interacting with them in a controlled or uncontrolled environment.

   Observation is based on the empirical understanding of the researcher and can sometimes be biased to the researched preference making it less objective. It is easy to execute and provides highly accurate data. Not all observations are cheap.

   Some observations require equipment like eye-tracking and brain-scanning devices. Websites may also use heat maps to see which areas are most clicked by page visitors. Observation tools can vary based on the research purpose and business resources. Types of observation include structured, naturalistic and participant observation.

   • Structured Observations: here, the research is conducted based on a predetermined time and at a specific place, where participants are observed in a standardized procedure. The researcher codes the observed behaviour according to a previously predetermined scale.
   • Naturalistic Observation: here, the study is spontaneous, with individuals observed in their natural settings. This research type records things and how they are seen.
   • Participant Observation: the researcher blends in with the people under study either as an undercover or he is known. This is done to get a deeper insight into the issue under observation.

3. SURVEY

   A survey is a research instrument most commonly used in social science to gather information. Qualitative and quantitative research involves asking a defined people or sample for their opinion on a topic. However, most surveys are given out in paper form called a questionnaire or online form.

   The questionnaire is very common and contains a list of questions to collect people’s opinions and perspectives about a problem statement. Questionnaire questions can be close-ended, open-ended, pre-selected answers, or scale ratings. Participants can receive the same or alternate questions.

   Surveys are the cheapest way to collect data from many people. They are also widely participated because most surveys are anonymous, allowing people to make honest responses about their opinion. The types of surveys can vary on the period used to conduct the study. Types of questions asked in surveys include:

   • Free-Answer: Also referred to as open-ended questions, these include unrestricted, essay, or unguided questions.
   • Guided Response Type: Recall-type questions asking the participant to recall a set of categories. Multiple-choice or multiple-response questions.

Guidelines For A Good Research Instrument Design

To create a good research design, it is vital to take note of the following steps or guidelines:

• The study topic and goals should be specified in detail: This will serve as a design cue for the tool and guarantee that it is configured to get the required data.
• Choose a suitable approach: When choosing a method, such as surveys, interviews, or observations, consider elements including the study topic, sample population, and available resources.
• When possible, use well-established and verified measures to assure the accuracy and validity of the data gathered.
• Before distributing the instrument to the wider sample, conduct a pilot test with a small sample of participants to detect and address any difficulties.
• Ensure the tool is linguistically and culturally appropriate: Be mindful of language and cultural diversity and confirm that the instrument suits the sample population.
• Ensure the instrument respects participants’ rights and anonymity and that the information gathered will be handled appropriately and responsibly by considering ethical considerations.