Data Collection Components
1. Develop a research instrument
2. Prepare a permission form
3. Collect the data
4. Summarize the results
1. Research instrument
Design a questionnaire that will provide the information that will allow you to answer your research question. Ensure that your teacher approves of the instrument before you use it. The questionnaire should contain at least ten closed-ended items. One or two open-ended items may be added as well.
2. Permission form
Prepare a permission form to be attached to each questionnaire and signed by each respondent. The form should include information about the purpose of the research and how the information will be used. See the template provided on the following page.
3. Collect the data
Distribute your questionnaire to at least 20 participants who are not students in this class. Ensure that each participant reads and signs the permission form. Do not put coerce individuals to participate – participation is voluntary. In cases where there has been a clear response, bias does not include the results from the questionnaire with your overall results.
4. Report the results
Write a report about the findings of your survey.
State:
• State your research question
• Describe your sample population (Emiratis, male, students at Abu Dhabi Men’s College, people going to the mall, students in the cafeteria, etc.)
• How you selected your participants (was the sample random, accidental, or stratified)
• When and where you distributed the surveys
• The number of people who participated
Write about:
• The main trends
• Any unusual findings – a finding you found surprising or that you weren’t expecting
• What do your survey results seem to say regarding the research question.
Write a minimum of 200 words.
When you finish the report, place a copy of your result tabulations. Title it in Appendix A. Include a copy of the completed permission form. Place this in Appendix B.
Proof of data collection:
Keep copies of the completed questionnaires with the signed consent forms. The teacher may at any time request to see the copies to verify your results.
