Methods Of Data Collection

Self-Report Data
Written questionnaires, telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews, and email are methods of collecting self-report data. Self-report data refers to data that are generated by having individuals report about themselves. Respondents are asked to recall and report accurate information. Self-report measures are essential for many needs assessments and evaluations because of the need to obtain subjective assessments of experiences. Self-report measures are often quick to administer and involve little interpretation from the evaluator.

The following 8 steps should be used to maximize the usefulness of self-report and increase the accuracy of this method of data collection:

  1. Select measures that clearly reflect program outcomes.
  2. Select measures that have been designed to anticipate response problems and that have been validated.
  3. Conduct a pilot study with the target population.
  4. Anticipate and correct major sources of unreliability.
  5. Employ quality-control procedures to detect other sources of error.
  6. Employ multiple methods.
  7. Use multiple measures.
  8. Use experimental and control groups with random assignment to control for biases in self-report.

The presentation, wording, and sequence of questions in self-report questionnaires and interviews can be critical in gaining the necessary information. Both should begin by explaining the purpose of the study and why the individual's responses are important. A cover letter should accompany the mailed questionnaire, explaining the need for the information and including very clear directions for supplying it.

When writing questions, examine the following suggestions:

  1. Any questions that deal with sensitive issues should be posed at the end of the questionnaire or interview.
  2. When asking questions that may be sensitive, the assurance of confidentiality or anonymity is extremely important.
  3. The actual questions should be clear and unbiased.
  4. Avoid questions with a specific direction that would guide the respondent's answer.
  5. Two-part questions should always be avoided.
  6. Do not assume that the individuals have knowledge or understanding of certain terminology.
  7. If possible, use existing questionnaires-after gaining permission from the author.

Direct Observation
Observation can be used to obtain information regarding the behavior or participants in a program. Observation can be direct or indirect

  • Direct Observation means actually seeing a situation or behavior
  • Indirect Observation is used to determine whether a behavior
    has occurred. It is also used to verify self-reports when observations of the actual changes in behavior cannot be observed. For example, measuring weight loss is an indirect measure of diet and exercise.

Existing Records
Using existing records may be an efficient way to obtain the necessary information for a needs assessment or evaluation without the need for additional data collection. One example includes checking physician records to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels of participants in an employee health promotion program.

Meetings
Meetings are a good source of information for a preliminary needs assessment or various aspects of evaluation. For example, if a fitness program is being evaluated, the evaluators, staff, and some participants may meet early in the planning and implementation stages to discuss the status of the program.

Community Health Promotion Guide Main Page

left rule right rule
 

Go to Center for Health Promotion Home Page



See also > Center for Health Promotion > Health Promotion and Chronic Disease