nursing research
Chapter 14
Data Collection: Testing and Observation
Initial Preparation for Data Collection
IRB approval
Selection of measures
Rater training
Creating and assembling forms and test packets
Test administration
2
Selection of Measures
Reliability
Has reliability been reported?
Has it been at acceptable levels?
Was it tested with similar populations under similar circumstances?
3
Selection of Measures
Validity
Same questions apply as reliability
Trustworthiness of qualitative procedures planned
Difficulty level
Time and energy requirements
4
Rater Training
If you are not collecting your own data training of raters should include:
Background information on the measures used
Confirming consent
Confidentiality
Safety precautions
5
Rater Training
If you are not collecting your own data training of raters should include:
Approach to participants
Handling emergencies and adverse effects
Administration of tests
Accurate recording
“Housekeeping” matters
6
Creating and Assembling Test Packets
Codebook
Order of questions and tests
Obtain permissions where necessary
Consider order effect
Consider practice effect
7
Test Administration
General considerations in testing situations:
Motivating participant
Providing privacy
Comfort of participant
Physical limitations of participant
Order of tests
8
Test Administration
General considerations in testing situations:
Accurate timing
Participant fatigue
Participant frustration
Effect of depression or anxiety
9
Tests of Function
There are four perspectives from which to approach measurement of function:
Actual performance versus report of performance
Capability versus usual performance
Self-report versus informant report
Appropriate to the group being evaluated
10
Physical Assessment Measures
Often used along with other measures
Require clinical expertise in administration
Training for specific test may be needed
11
Biological Tests
When collecting specimens for laboratory analysis:
Follow directions carefully
Avoid contamination
Maintain correct temperature
Use correct collection container
12
Biological Tests
When collecting specimens for laboratory analysis:
Process according to directions
Collect the correct amount
Adhere to the appropriate timing of the collection of specimens
Store and transport properly
13
Observation
Observation is often the first data collection method used when exploring a new research topic
Observation may be highly structured or unstructured, but it should always be systematic and purposeful
14
Structured Observation
Observation uses a set of codes, checklists or guides that specify what is to be observed and recorded
Recording may be done by hand or electronically
Observations are often done at regular time intervals
15
Naturalistic Observation
Naturalistic observation generally involves a smaller sample size and is more informal
It usually covers a longer observation time
16
Degree of Participation
There is a continuum in the degree to which the data collector participates in the activities under observation
Active: high level of comfort but may interfere with the ability to step back and observe
Moderate: strikes a balance between insider and outsider perspective
17
Degree of Participation
There is a continuum in the degree to which the data collector participates in the activities under observation
Nonparticipation: data collector can focus attention on the observations being made but it may take some time for participants to become comfortable with being observed
18
Entering the Field
When observing people, you need to gain their trust
It may require considerable negotiating skills
It is important to document efforts/activities to gain entry
19
What to Observe?
Time and data
Physical space description
People present
Actions and interactions
20
What to Observe?
Emotional climate
Implicit understandings, norms, and expectations
Timing and sequencing
Events
21
Recording Observations
Keep in mind the purpose of your study in mind as you record what you see
Notes taken on site should be brief but add detail as soon as possible after observation
Be sure to distinguish observation from opinion
22
Video Recording
Video recording provides a permanent record of your observations
It allows rich detail of an event to be captured but it does not always pick up subtle changes
It may affect the recorder and people being recorded
23
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