Data Collection Research Paper

Data Collection Research Paper

Data Collection Research Paper

Data collection is at the center of research because the facts gathered will contribute new information as well as answer the research question. For this discussion, please respond to each of the following topics.Data Collection Research Paper

• Refine your PICOT question.
• Explain your specific research approach (qualitative or quantitative) and how it has the potential to answer your research question.
• Discuss you data collection method, addressing strengths and identifying one potential weakness.Data Collection Research Paper
• Identify the actions you are proposing that will help ensure that quality data may be produced by your EBP project.

NR 505 Week 5 Discussion: Data Collection SAMPLE

The PICo question for my evidenced based practice research project is: Are post war veterans (P) at a greater risk for suicide (I) as they reintegrate into society (Co)? I have chosen the qualitative research design approach because I want to better understand how the post war veteran is feeling and understand their lived experiences as they return from combat. A qualitative study allows the researcher to understand the participants characteristics and lived experiences when the participant is allowed to speak freely (Polit & Beck, 2017). I feel the qualitative study has the potential to create further avenues of researcher as themes develop throughout the interview process.Data Collection Research Paper
In-depth interviews are my data collection method of choice with permission received to audio tape the session and take notes in the anticipation that themes and commonalities emerge from the data. Clark and Veale (2018), discussed how images or words will consistently emerge during in-depth interviews showing a connection with individual participants and the research being accomplished. The collection of data retrieved from the in-depth interview process will provide adequate information to answer my PICot question and is considered a strength in my research process. A weakness to this type of data collection would be allowing my own personal feelings, bias, or opinions interfere with the appropriate interpretation of data. Often, we see things through the lens of our own personal experiences and that could inhibit the subjective nature of the data.Data Collection Research Paper.

The actions I plan to incorporate into my qualitative study is to ensure my sample size is appropriate to gather appropriate information but not too large so that the information becomes diluted or deters from the main objective outlined in the PICo statement. Secondly, I plan to write out a personal belief statement and establish a baseline of personal opinion and bias and ensure my interpretation of data is not being occluded or misrepresented through my own experience.Data Collection Research Paper My objective is to ensure the data is in its most raw and authentic form in the hopes that further studies will emerge as a result of the information provided.

NR 505 Week 5 Discussion: Data Collection

Clark, K. R., & Vealé, B. L. (2018). Strategies to Enhance Data Collection and Analysis in Qualitative Research. Radiologic Technology, 89(5), 482CT-485CT.
Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2017). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.Data Collection Research Paper The data collection component of research is common to all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, business, etc. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same.

The importance of ensuring accurate and appropriate data collection

Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data (quantitative, qualitative), accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the integrity of research. Both the selection of appropriate data collection instruments (existing, modified, or newly developed) and clearly delineated instructions for their correct use reduce the likelihood of errors occurring.

Consequences from improperly collected data include

• inability to answer research questions accurately
• inability to repeat and validate the study
• distorted findings resulting in wasted resources
• misleading other researchers to pursue fruitless avenues of investigation Data Collection Research Paper
• compromising decisions for public policy
• causing harm to human participants and animal subjects

While the degree of impact from faulty data collection may vary by  and the nature of investigation, there is the potential to cause disproportionate harm when these research results are used to support public policy recommendations.

Issues related to maintaining integrity of data collection:

The primary rationale for preserving data integrity is to support the detection of errors in the data collection process, whether they are made intentionally (deliberate falsifications) or not (systematic or random errors).

Most, Craddick, Crawford, Redican, Rhodes, Rukenbrod, and Laws (2003) describe ‘quality assurance’ and ‘quality control’ as two approaches that can preserve data integrity and ensure the scientific  of study results. Each approach is implemented at different points in the research timeline (Whitney, Lind, Wahl, 1998):Data Collection Research Paper

1. Quality assurance – activities that take place before data collection begins
2. Quality control – activities that take place during and after data collection

Quality Assurance

Since quality assurance precedes data collection, its main focus is (i.e., forestalling problems with data collection). Prevention is the most cost-effective activity to ensure the integrity of data collection. This proactive measure is best demonstrated by the  developed in a comprehensive and detailed procedures manual for data collection. Poorly written manuals increase the risk of failing to identify problems and errors early in the research endeavor. Data Collection Research Paper These failures may be demonstrated in a number of ways:

• Uncertainty about the timing, methods, and identify of person(s) responsible for reviewing data
• Partial listing of items to be collected
• Vague description of data collection instruments to be used in lieu of rigorous step-by-step instructions on administering tests
• Failure to identify specific content and strategies for training or retraining staff members responsible for data collection
• Obscure instructions for using, making adjustments to, and calibrating data collection equipment (if appropriate)Data Collection Research Paper
• No identified mechanism to document changes in procedures that may evolve over the course of the investigation .

An important component of quality assurance is developing a rigorous and detailed recruitment and training plan. Implicit in training is the need to effectively communicate the value of accurate data collection to trainees (Knatterud, Rockhold, George, Barton, Davis, Fairweather, Honohan, Mowery, O’Neill, 1998). The training aspect is particularly important to address the potential problem of staff who may unintentionally deviate from the original protocol. This phenomenon, known as , should be corrected with additional training, a provision that should be specified in the procedures manual.Data Collection Research Paper

Given the range of qualitative research strategies (non-participant/, interview, archival, field study, ethnography, , oral history, biography, unobtrusive research) it is difficult to make generalized statements about how one should establish a research protocol in order to facilitate quality assurance. Certainly, researchers conducting non-participant/participant observation may have only the broadest research questions to guide the initial research efforts. Since the researcher is the main measurement device in a study, many times there are little or no other data collecting instruments.Data Collection Research Paper Indeed, instruments may need to be developed on the spot to accommodate unanticipated findings.

Quality Control

While quality control activities (detection/monitoring and action) occur during and after data collection, the details should be carefully  in the procedures manual. A clearly defined communication structure is a necessary pre-condition for establishing monitoring systems. There should not be any uncertainty about the flow of information between principal investigators and staff members following the detection of errors in data collection. A poorly developed communication structure encourages lax monitoring and limits opportunities for detecting errors.Data Collection Research Paper

Detection or monitoring can take the form of direct staff observation during site visits, conference calls, or regular and frequent reviews of data reports to identify inconsistencies, extreme values or invalid codes. While site visits may not be appropriate for all disciplines, failure to regularly audit records, whether quantitative or quantitative, will make it difficult for investigators to verify that data collection is proceeding according to procedures established in the manual.Data Collection Research Paper In addition, if the structure of communication is not clearly delineated in the procedures manual, transmission of any change in procedures to staff members can be compromised

Quality control also identifies the required responses, or ‘actions’ necessary to correct faulty data collection practices and also minimize future occurrences. These actions are less likely to occur if data collection procedures are vaguely written and the necessary steps to minimize recurrence are not implemented through feedback and education (Knatterud, et al, 1998)

Examples of data collection problems that require prompt action include:

• errors in individual data items Data Collection Research Paper
• systematic errors
• violation of protocol
• problems with individual staff or site performance
• fraud or 

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a component of research in all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities,^[2] and business. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed. Data Collection Research Paper