Modules

Module Four  Data Collection and Ethical Issues
Additional Module 4 Notes

Data Collection and Ethical Issues
 
Definitions 

Guidelines for Constructing an Instrument to collect data from students
 
IRB PowerPoint Presentation Be sure to note where you save the file. This is essential reading!

What are the reasons for establishing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and procedures?  

Is research done by teachers in their classrooms subject to review? Why or why not?  

Imagine that you are proposing a Category II (Expedited Review) proposal to the IRB. Which of the application items numbered 1 through 16 (pg. 83 of your text) is most important, and why?  

Must teachers obtain consent from their students before conducting research? Why or why not?  

Identify areas of concern regarding your group's research proposal.  
 

1. Construct - a psychological trait that is not directly observable, but is believed to exist due to behaviors exhibited; examples: anxiety, intelligence, happiness, love 

2. Data Reduction - procedures used to summarize the data; you will never find an article where the researcher (s) simply provides original forms with the individual responses form participants.  Instead, you are likely to find summaries in the form of narrative, tables, and/or figures.  Data reduction is that the researcher (s) used to move from the original, individual responses to the summary

3. Operationalize - to define a construct by listing clearly described, observable behaviors 

4. Reliability - the consistency of measurement; does it measure the same thing across time with the same level of accuracy? 

5. Validity - the inferences made from the results of measurement; does it measure what I intended it to measure? 
  
Contrast reliability with dependability; validity with credibility; and objectivity with confirmability.  

1. State the items in simple, clear language. 

2. Avoid negatively stated items 

3. Balance the items with positive and negative opinions 

4. Create items that have student interest / appeal 

5. Create options that have student interest / appeal 

6. Options should have no more than five levels 

7. Decide on an even or odd number of levels for your options 

8. Set aside the items and then revise / review the items 

9. The total set should contain no more than ten items 

10. Add directions for responding and the purpose of the survey