Data Gathering Instruments

Data Collection

As you consider the construction of your data gathering instruments,use the following questions and explanations by Sagor (2011) to guideyou.

• What are three data sources will you use for your AR?
• Do you need a matrix for data triangulation?
• Is the process I am using to answer my question clear enough that my students (clients or participants) can understand it?

When collecting and analyzing data, action researchers can do agreat deal to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings byusing a process called triangulation. The term triangulation refers tothe use of multiple independent data sources to corroborate findings.The purpose and necessity of corroboration is the same for the actionresearcher as it is for the trial lawyer. A trial lawyer knows that toconvince a jury of the accuracy of a legal theory, it helps to have morethan one witness; the more individual witnesses whose testimonysupports the theory, the more credible the theory becomes (Sagor, 2002,p. 16-18).

Educational action researchers usually have a wide variety of datasources available to them. Some of the most common data sources are thefollowing:

Existing data

• School/teacher records
• Referrals to the principal
• Attendance records
• Tardies
• Classroom behaviors (talk outs/negative behaviors)
• Number of detentions (per student)
• Number of suspensions (per student)
• Student work/portfolios

Observation data

• Photographs
• Videotapes
• Diaries, logs, journals
• Rating scales/rubrics
• Data obtained by shadowing students through the school day

Probes

• Tests
• Surveys
• Interviews
• Focus groups

You, as the researcher, will describe the instruments and datagathering techniques used. You must establish criteria for selecting thedata as they relate to the scope of the problem.

A helpful tool for planning data collection and triangulation is atriangulation matrix—a simple grid that shows the various data sourcesthat will be used to answer each research question. The matrix providesthe action researcher with some assurance that the potential for bias(which is always present whenever a single source of data is used) won’ttake on undue significance. Figure 2.3 illustrates how a completedtriangulation matrix for a study on student editing might look.

Figure 2.3. Triangulation Matrix—Study on Student Editing

Adapted from: Guiding school improvement through action research. (Sagor, 2002, pp. 8-16).

Your Task

Submit at least one of the data gathering instruments you haveselected, or at least one of the instruments you have constructed alongwith an explanation. Please be sure to include your explanation for whatyou have chosen or designed – focus on how you see it connecting toyour proposed project/research question. Attach the data-gatheringinstrument (surveys, pre tests, etc.) to the assignment submission.

Please also include a triangulation chart showing the ideas you havefor the remainder of your data collection. You will need to develop theother tools for the final proposal as well, but for this assignment,you are submitting one to show your thinking and to get feedback aboutyour ideas in the triangulation matrix. After you get instructorfeedback on this, you can continue to develop your ideas and add them toyour AR proposal.

Reference

Sagor, R. (2002). Guiding school improvement through action research. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.