Data Collection Tools

1. Data Collection Tools Cynthia Franch

2. Rationale I decided to explore a couple of different methods of collecting data because we learned how important it is for researchers to have a variety of data sources in order for their findings to be valid. I am most interested in using interviews and surveys (particularly with students) because in my own research study, I would be relying heavily on both of these methods of data collection.

3. Interviews “The focus of naturalistic, qualitative research is to form deep understandings, to interpret and contextualize experiences (Blumenreich & Falk, p. 97, 2005).

4. Interviews “Using interviews as one of your data sources can help you understand your research participants’ perspective on the topics of your study”(Blumenreich & Falk, 2005). When would you use interviews? • When you want in-depth information from a small group of people. • When you want different perspectives on the same topic.

5. Interviews • Before conducting interviews: • Make an interview guide • Look back at your research questions and consider what type of information you need to answer your research questions at the end of your study. • Base the questions you ask your participants on your research question. • Questions should be open-ended and be framed so they elicit in-depth explanations.

6. Interview Sample Questions: Recapture a Time: You have been teaching for several years. What motivated you to go into teaching in the first place? “Grand Tour:” Take me through a day… Evoke an Opinion: Why did you go into teaching? Pre-supposition Question: People say the first 3-5 years of teaching are the most difficult. Describe some positive and negative experiences from your first 3-5 years. Situate Yourself as a Learner: Would you share with us how teaching compared to your expectations? Advice for Hypothetical Person: As a veteran teacher, can you give a few pieces of advice that you think may be beneficial to a new teacher? Have Participants Respond to a Quote -Handout from Class

7. Why Interview Students? “A child, however, who had no important job and could only see things as his eyes showed them to him, went up to the carriage. ‘The Emperor is naked,’ he said.” The Emperor's New Clothes, H. C.Anderson In my opinion, children often see things with “unfiltered lenses.” In other words, their opinions are not often swayed by outside influences-they generally say what they think, which is often times the truth.

8. Surveys and Questionnaires “Surveys or questionnaires are appropriate tools for obtaining information when you want to consult a lot of people,” (Blumenreich & Falk, 2005). You may use surveys as a way to choose a smaller group of participants that you can then interview in greater depth.

9. Survey Sample Questions “Surveys can contain close-ended, open-ended, attitude questions, or a combination of these,” (Blumenreich & Falk, 2005).

10. Final Thoughts Learning the different ways in which I can collect data as a teacher researcher was really interesting to me. Having practiced conducting interviews, I feel more confident as I continue to grow as a teacher researcher.

11. References • M. Blumenreich& B. Falk. 2005. The Power of Questions: A Guide to Teacher and Student Research. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.