CLASS

PRESE
NTATI
ON
ON
SUBJECT:
DATA
NURSING SOURC
RESEARCH
E,
METH
ODS &
TOOLS
OF
DATA
SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
MADAM RUMA CHAKRAVARTY
SANGITA DEB
PROFESSOR ROLL NO – 03
CHARNOCK COLLEGE 1ST YEAR
OF NURSING
MSc NURSING COLLE
NEWTOWN, KOLKATA
CHARNOCK COLLEGE OF NURSING
CTION
Introduction:
Data are the observable and measurable facts that provide information about the phenomenon under
study. a systematic collection and analysis of data are most vital to any empirical research. It is most
essential for a researcher to have appropriate methods of data collection so that planned study
variables can be adequately measured and accurate conclusions can be drawn. Variety of data
collection methods are used in nursing research studies, such as interview, questioning, observation,
biophysical measurements, psychosocial measurement scales and record analysis.

Concept of Data collection method:

The word ‘data’ is a plural form of the word “datum” which means information that is systematically
collected in the courses of study.
The word “method” refers to the means of gathering data that are common to all sciences including
“nursing”. It is different from the word “technique” which refers to the specific tools that are used in
the different method.
Collection of data is the first step in the statistical treatment of a research problem. Collected data
should be accurate and reliable.

Classification of Data:
The data may be broadly classified into three types. These are:
1. Data pertaining to human beings
2. Data relating to organizations
3. Data pertaining to territorial areas.
1. Data pertaining to human beings: data pertaining to human beings consists of-
i. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals: age, sex, race, social class,
religion, marital status, education, occupation, income, family size, location of the household,
lifestyle, etc.
ii. Behavioural variables: attitude, opinions, awareness, knowledge, practice, intentions, etc.
2. Data relating to organizations: organization data consist of data relating to an organization’s
origin, ownership, objectives, resources, functions, performance and organizational growth.
3. Data pertaining to territorial areas: Territorial data are related to geographical characteristics,
resources endowment, population, occupational pattern, infrastructure, degree of development, etc of
spiritual divisions like villages, cities, taluks, districts, state and the nation.

Data sources:
Information collected from different research studies generally depends on various sources. A quality
research study requires that highly reliable and valid data are collected; therefore, diligence and
application of the researcher can be of high importance. Sources of data collection in different
research studies largely depend on several factors, such as type of research study, phenomenon under
study and purpose of the study. basically, sources of data are generally categorized in two broad
categories, namely primary and secondary sources. Both the sources are discussed below:
 Primary Sources: Primary data are directly collected from the research units, which may be
individuals, objects, programmes or institutions. Primary sources provide the first-hand
information collected by the researcher directly from the respondents or the situations which
may be collected through interviews, questioning, observation, biochemical measurements
and psychosocial measurements scales.

 Secondary sources: secondary data are collected from either internal or external secondary
sources. External sources involve existing materials such as published or unpublished
records. Published records may include the journals, magazines, newspapers, government
reports, statistical abstracts, census reports, constituents of mass communication and
commission reports. Unpublished records may include official records, patient records, thesis,
dissertations and reports. In addition, internal secondary sources also known as private
documents may include the biographies, personal diaries, letters and memories.

Sources of Data collection

Primary sources Secondary sources

 People, objects,
programmes,
Internal sources External sources
institutions, etc.
(Primary data are (private documents) (public documents)
collected through
interviews,
questioning,  Biographies Published records Unpublished records
observation,  Diaries
biochemical  Letters
 Journals and  Unpublished
measurements and  Memories
magazines thesis
psychosocial  Unpublished
measurement  Newspaper
 Government dissertations
scales. and reports
reports
 Statistical  Official or
abstracts patient records.
 Census reports
 Mass
communication
 Commission
reports
Methods and tools of Data collection:
The strategy or system used to gather information from participants, programmes and other elements
of the evaluation. There are some terms need to be understood regarding methods and tools. Those
are as follows:
1. Methods of data collection: the various steps or strategies used for gathering and analysing data
in a research investigation are known as the methods of data collection.
2. Techniques of data collection: the means of gathering data with the use of specific tools used in
given methods are known as techniques of data collection.
3. Instrument/tools for data collection: a research instrument is a device used to measure the
concept of interest in a research project that a researcher uses to collect data.
Classification of methods and tools of data collection:
Methods/ Techniques Tools
1. Interview  Interview schedule
 Opinionnaire
2. Questioning (self-report)  Questionnaire
 Opinionnaire
 Attitude scales/ composite scales
 Visual analogue scale
3. Observation  Rating scales
 Checklists
 Anecdotes
 Videotapes/ films
 Closed circuit TV
4. Biophysiological methods  In vivo bio physiologic measurements
 In vitro bio physiologic measurements
5. Other methods  Projective technique
 Q-sorts
 Vignettes

Interview Method:
The interview is a process of communication or interaction in which the participants or interviewee
gives the needed information verbally in a face-to-face situation. Although the interview is generally
associated with counselling or psychotherapy, it is used effectively to collect useful information
about individuals in many research situations.
Interviewing is a popular way of gathering information in qualitative research. Interview provides a
wide range of data. It provides information about person’s feelings, perception and opinions.
Interviewers should not make pre assumptions about the respondents.
Interviews may be used either as a main method or as a supplementary one in collection of research-
related data. Interviewing is the only suitable method for gathering information from illiterate or less
educated respondents. It is superior to other date-gathering methods. People are usually more willing
to talk than to write. Once rapport is established, even confidential information can be obtained.

Questioning:
1. Questionnaire
2. Attitude scale/ composite scale
3. Visual analogue scale
1. Questionnaire: questionnaires are one of the most popular methods of conducting research. They
provide a convenient way of gathering information from a target population. They are cost-effective
and easy to construct and analyse. A questionnaire is a planned self-reported form, designed to elicit
information through written or verbal responses of the participants. In other words, a questionnaire is
a research instrument used for other words, a questionnaire is a research instrument used for data
collection.
2. Attitude scales/ composite scales: A scale is a device designed to assign a numeric score to
people to place them on a continuum with respect to attributes being measured, like a scale for
measuring attitude, or weight or so on. These rating scales can be also be used to assess the attitudes
or feelings of self-concept. The expression of any point of view are accounted as measurements
towards any item, object or concept. Measuring the score between two opposite concepts tells us
about the attitude, feeling and perception of a person or study subject towards the directions of
positive or negative attitude in a scale.
Composite scales are socio-psychologic measurements directed towards quantifying the qualitative
attributes, such as feelings, attitudes, self-concept, perceptions and beliefs.
Composite scales are socio-psychological rating scales generally used for qualitative measures and
discriminate people with different attribute, perception, fears, motives, personality traits, and needs
that are often incorporated into interviews or questionnaires.
Examples: Likert scale, semantic differential scale.
3. Visual Analogue scale: it is a widely used psychomotor response scale, which is a measurement
instrument for subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured. This has 10 cm
lines and the ends mark semantic opposites.
Visual analogue scale is used to measure the intensity of certain sensations and feelings, such as pain,
discomfort, anxiety, alertness, quality of sleep, severity of clinical symptoms, functional ability and
attitude towards environmental conditions.

Observation:
It is a way of gathering data by watching behaviour, events or noting physical characteristics in their
natural setting. Observation is a method of data collection that can be used to gather such
information as characteristics and conditions of individual, verbal, non-verbal communication etc.
observation method of data collection is particularly well-suited to nursing research.
There can be either direct or indirect observations.
Example of direct observation is noticing a teacher giving lesson from a written document to
ascertain whether they are providing it with accuracy.
Example of indirect observation is determining how much waste is left in the plates by students in a
school cafeteria to ascertain if a new food is acceptable to them.

Biophysiological method:
The researcher community views biophysiological measures as objective data. Researchers may use
the biophysiological data collection process either alone or in combination with other methods. After
the data collection methods are selected, the researcher should be cognizant of the limitations of the
specific data collection method opted and put to use the methods to limit the difficulties. This trend is
an expanded use of measures to assess the physiological status of a person. Specific technical
instruments and equipment are used to measure the physiologic and physical variables, and
specialized training is needed for the interpretation of the result.
Example: phenomena such as vomiting, cyanosis, post cardiotomy delirium, oedema and wound
status can be observed for presence or absence and intensity. Other biophysiological data can be
gathered by asking people directly. The biophysiological phenomenon requires the use of specialized
technical apparatus that yield quantitative measures.

Other methods:
1. Projective technique
2. Q-sorts
3. Vignettes
1. Projective Technique: this involves a wide range of games and tasks in which respondents need
to participate during an interview or group which is schemed to extend, facilitate or enhance the
discussion nature. Basically, taken in a psychotherapeutic setting and being loosely based on
different approaches some are called projective techniques. They are based on the idea that someone
will project his/her own beliefs or feelings onto an imaginary situation or person.
2. Q-sorts: the history of the use of Q-sorts in research is relatively new. It was developed in 1930s
by a British physicist-psychologist William Stephenson. The idea behind the development of this
method was to inquire into the subjectivity of the human mind. Q-sorts are the powerful tools in
which the participants are presented with card arrangement. In this technique participants are
provided pre-written cards with words, phrases or statement and are asked to arrange these cards in
an order along with a specific bipolar dimension. These are approximately 60-100 such cards that
can be sorted out in 9-11 piles with few numbers of cards placed in each pile.
3. Vignettes: in order to explore people’s beliefs, perceptions and meanings about some particular
situations, vignettes act as a valuable technique and are especially helpful for important inquiry areas
that may not be promptly accessible through any other means. The problematic relationship between
action and belief must be heeded when utilizing this technique, either in isolation or as a part of a
multi-method approach. Vignettes may be used for three main purposes-
a. To clarify people’s judgement.
b. To permit actions in context to be explored.
c. To give a less threatening and less personal way of exploring sensitive topics.
The questions posed to respondents after vignettes are either open-ended or close-ended.
Example of open-ended: How do you describe the quality of life of the cancer patient?
Example of close-ended: rate the quality of life of this cancer patient on a 10-point scale given
below.

Selection of method of data collection:

Complete and appropriate answer of a research question largely depends on the selection of
appropriate methods of data collection, which generally begin at the time of selection of a research
design. A research question or hypothesis may be answered by using one or more number of methods
of data collection.
The selection of an appropriate method of data collection is influenced by several factors as
discussed below:
The nature of phenomenon under study: the nature of the phenomenon under study largely
influences the choice of the method of the data collection. Each research phenomenon has its
particular characteristics and therefore, needs different approaches and methods of data
collection.
E.g. clinical practices or processes in particular nursing procedures can only be studied
appropriately through observation. In other hand, knowledge of a group of nurses can only be
assessed through questioning or interviews.

Type of research participants: data collection methods are also influenced by the type of
participants under study.
e.g. data collection from physically or psychologically disabled participants can be done either by
interviews or through observation, where data collection through questionnaire is not feasible. If
data have to be collected from objects or institutions, questionnaires or interviews may not be
possible at all, and researchers will have to depend mostly on observation to collect relevant data.

The type of research study: quantitative and qualitative research studies need different methods
of data collection.
E.g. in quantitative research more in-depth information is required; therefore, focused group
interviews or unstructured participatory interviews are feasible for data collection, while for
quantitative research studies, more structured interviews, questioning or observation is used for
data collection.
 The purpose of research study: the purpose of the study also influences the choice of the
methods of data collection, such as in a study conducted with the purpose of the exploration of
phenomenon, in-depth interviews may be needed for data collection, while studies conducted
with purpose of description or correlation of study variables may need more structured methods
of data collection.

Size of the study sample: when a study is conducted on a small sample, interviews or direct
observation may be possible, while these methods can be tedious for large samples.

Distribution of the target population: if target population is spread in a large geographical area,
it will not be possible to carry out interviews or observations and therefore, mailed questionnaires
may be a better option which will be more convenient and cost-effective in such conditions.

Time frame of the study: if research is conducted for a long time, it may permit the researcher
to use the less structured methods of data collection to gain in-depth information, while short
time-frame studies may not allow the researcher to use the unstructured methods of data
collection. Structured methods of data collection are used more for short-term research designs.

Literacy level of the participants: illiterate participants put constraints on the use of self-
responding methods of data collection, such as questionnaires. For illiterate participants,
interviews conducted in native language is one of the few possible methods of data collection
used.

Availability of resources and manpower: some of the methods of data collection require more
quantities of resources and manpower, such as conducting interviews and observation compared
to the use of questionnaires. Therefore, availability of resources and manpower also affects the
selection of methods of data collection.

Researcher’s knowledge level and competence: the researcher’s knowledge and competence
also affects the selection of methods of data collection, for example conducting an interview and
observation may require special and psychologic knowledge, skills and competence, while the
use of questionnaires may not demand these skills. For the development and construction of a
good questionnaire, good writing skills may be required.

Criteria of evaluation/assessment of data collection methods:

The appropriateness of the data collection method may be evaluated or assessed by using the
following criteria:
 Accuracy and completeness of data collection: researcher must ensure that data collection
methods used will yield accurate and complete data to answer research questions or test
hypothesis.
 Compatibility with educational level, socio-cultural values and beliefs of the study participants.
 Cost-effectiveness and speed in data collection procedure.
 In accordance with nature of phenomenon, type, purpose, time frame and resources available for
the study.
 Further, following criteria may be considered while evaluating or assessing the method for data
collection:
 Is data collection method complete in all the aspects of the study variables?
 Are data collection methods thoroughly described?
 Are data collection methods in accordance with research questions/hypothesis to be
tested?
 Are validity and reliability of data collection method established?
 Is the number of methods used for data collection sufficient for complete coverage of
research data or are additional methods required for data collection?
 Are anonymity and confidentiality assured?
 Are instruments described in detail?
 Were the criterion measures or scoring methods clearly established?
Conclusion:

The chosen methods and tools were effective in addressing the research objectives. Quantitative tools
provided measurable and comparable data, while qualitative methods offered deeper insight into the
context and nuances of the study. The integration of these approaches allowed for a robust analysis
and a well-rounded understanding of the research topic.

Overall, the careful selection and application of data collection methods and tools ensured that the
study was both comprehensive and reliable, providing a solid foundation for subsequent analysis and
conclusions.
Bibliography:

 Sharma K. Suresh. Nursing research and statistics. 4 th edition. New Delhi; India. ELSEVIER
RELX India Pvt. Ltd. 2023. Page No. 200-225
 Dey Mamita. A guide to nursing research and biostatistics. First edition. New-Delhi; India.
Jaypee brothers Pvt Ltd. 2016. Page no. 185- 190.