smc-5508-30-Data collection methods

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 73

Outline THREE processes that a researcher could use when developing a method to collect data investigating the meanings of health for young people. (3 marks)

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Answers could include any THREE of the following:

Determine appropriate data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups) based on research question.
Design clear, age-appropriate questions that are unbiased and aligned with research objectives.
Consider quantitative methods (closed surveys) for numerical data and qualitative methods (interviews) for in-depth responses.
Ensure consistency in question delivery to maintain reliability.
Select a representative sample of participants to ensure validity.
Plan data recording methods that maintain privacy and accuracy.

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Answers could include any THREE of the following:

Determine appropriate data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups) based on research question.
Design clear, age-appropriate questions that are unbiased and aligned with research objectives.
Consider quantitative methods (closed surveys) for numerical data and qualitative methods (interviews) for in-depth responses.
Ensure consistency in question delivery to maintain reliability.
Select a representative sample of participants to ensure validity.
Plan data recording methods that maintain privacy and accuracy.

A researcher wants to investigate adolescents' experiences with physical activity and mental wellbeing. They have designed a study using online surveys with multiple-choice and rating scale questions.

Evaluate the validity, reliability and credibility of this data collection method for understanding adolescent health experiences. (8 marks)

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Evaluation Statement

Online surveys with fixed responses prove partially effective for researching adolescent health experiences.
This evaluation examines validity, reliability and credibility of a study using online surveys with multiple-choice and rating scale questions.

Validity

The method partially fulfils validity requirements for capturing complex health experiences.
The research involves a method that can gather large samples quickly.
However, predetermined response options fail to capture nuanced adolescent perspectives, especially for subjective concepts like mental wellbeing.
While strong in measuring basic activity levels through quantifiable data, it proves less suitable for exploring personal health experiences that involve deeper meanings.

Reliability

The survey approach inadequately fulfils reliability standards without proper testing and diverse sampling.
A lack of pilot testing increases the risk of inconsistent question interpretation across age groups.
Also, without demographic information about participants, findings cannot reliably apply to all adolescents.

Credibility

Single-method data collection severely limits credibility of findings.
Online surveys alone prove insufficient for understanding lived experiences of adolescents.
A critical weakness is relying solely on quantitative data when health experiences require qualitative exploration.
Evidence shows mixed methods combining surveys with interviews produce superior insights.

Final Evaluation

Weighing these factors, the data collection method described provides limited insight into adolescent health experiences.
All three criteria reveal significant weaknesses in capturing complex teen health realities.
The overall evaluation demonstrates urgent need for mixed methods approaches.
Implications suggest researchers must combine quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to achieve credible, valid and reliable understanding of adolescent wellbeing.

Show Worked Solution

Evaluation Statement

Online surveys with fixed responses prove partially effective for researching adolescent health experiences.
This evaluation examines validity, reliability and credibility of a study using online surveys with multiple-choice and rating scale questions.

Validity

The method partially fulfils validity requirements for capturing complex health experiences.
The research involves a method that can gather large samples quickly.
However, predetermined response options fail to capture nuanced adolescent perspectives, especially for subjective concepts like mental wellbeing.
While strong in measuring basic activity levels through quantifiable data, it proves less suitable for exploring personal health experiences that involve deeper meanings.

Reliability

The survey approach inadequately fulfils reliability standards without proper testing and diverse sampling.
A lack of pilot testing increases the risk of inconsistent question interpretation across age groups.
Also, without demographic information about participants, findings cannot reliably apply to all adolescents.

Credibility

Single-method data collection severely limits credibility of findings.
Online surveys alone prove insufficient for understanding lived experiences of adolescents.
A critical weakness is relying solely on quantitative data when health experiences require qualitative exploration.
Evidence shows mixed methods combining surveys with interviews produce superior insights.

Final Evaluation

Weighing these factors, the data collection method described provides limited insight into adolescent health experiences.
All three criteria reveal significant weaknesses in capturing complex teen health realities.
The overall evaluation demonstrates urgent need for mixed methods approaches.
Implications suggest researchers must combine quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to achieve credible, valid and reliable understanding of adolescent wellbeing.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 62

Describe TWO methods of collecting data and what type of data is collected in each example. (4 marks)

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Answers could include two of the following examples:

Interviews

Face-to-face interactions where researchers ask questions to gather personal opinions and experiences.
Collect primarily qualitative data allowing for detailed explanations and follow-up questions.

Surveys

Series of consistent questions administered in person or online.
Collect both quantitative data (ratings, multiple choice) and qualitative data (open-ended responses).

Focus Groups

Guided discussions with selected individuals where a moderator facilitates conversation on a topic.
Collect primarily qualitative data through interactive responses where participants build on each other’s ideas.

Show Worked Solution

Answers could include two of the following examples:

Interviews

Face-to-face interactions where researchers ask questions to gather personal opinions and experiences.
Collect primarily qualitative data allowing for detailed explanations and follow-up questions.

Surveys

Series of consistent questions administered in person or online.
Collect both quantitative data (ratings, multiple choice) and qualitative data (open-ended responses).

Focus Groups

Guided discussions with selected individuals where a moderator facilitates conversation on a topic.
Collect primarily qualitative data through interactive responses where participants build on each other’s ideas.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 54 MC

What is the primary function of surveys in research methodology?

To gather systematic data from a target population
To conduct qualitative focus group discussions
To analyse statistical patterns in existing databases
To collect data in a face-to-face process

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\(A\)

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A is correct because surveys are designed to collect information systematically from a defined group of respondents.

Other options:

B is incorrect as focus groups are a different research methodology involving group discussions.
C is incorrect because analysis is performed after data collection; surveys are a data collection method.
D is incorrect as this describes observational research, not surveys.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 53 MC

A researcher is investigating young people's perceptions of health using a survey. Which of the following would be most important to ensure the reliability of the data collection?

Using open-ended questions exclusively
Asking the same questions to all participants
Conducting the survey only in person
Focusing only on quantitative measurements

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\(B\)

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B is correct because asking the same questions to all participants helps maintain consistency and reliability in the research.

Other options:

A is incorrect as closed questions are also valuable in surveys and help with standardisation.
C is incorrect as surveys can be reliable whether conducted in person or through other means.
D is incorrect as qualitative data can also be collected reliably through surveys.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 52 MC

When conducting research on the meanings of health for young people, what is the primary advantage of using a survey over other data collection methods?

Surveys eliminate all forms of researcher bias.
Surveys can only be administered to large groups.
Surveys are quick to complete and provide easily collectable data.
Surveys provide more in-depth responses than interviews.

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\(C\)

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C is correct because surveys are efficient for collecting data and can be completed quickly.

Other options:

A is incorrect as researcher bias can still influence survey design and administration.
B is incorrect as surveys can be conducted with individuals or small groups.
D is incorrect as interviews typically provide more in-depth responses than surveys.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 51 MC

Which of the following best describes a key difference between surveys and questionnaires in research?

Surveys are usually conducted with the researcher present, while questionnaires are typically completed without the researcher's presence.
Surveys can only collect quantitative data, while questionnaires can collect both quantitative and qualitative data.
Surveys are always paper-based, while questionnaires are exclusively digital.
Surveys are designed for adults, while questionnaires are designed for young people.

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\(A\)

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A is correct because surveys involve the researcher asking questions and recording responses, while questionnaires are usually completed independently by participants.

Other options:

B is incorrect as both surveys and questionnaires can collect both types of data.
C is incorrect as both methods can be implemented in various formats.
D is incorrect as both can be designed for any age group with appropriate language.