What Factors Must A Researcher Consider In Selecting An Expe
Answer The Following Topics In A 2 Pages Word Documentpart Onewhat F
Answer the following topics in a 2 pages Word document: Part One : What factors must a researcher consider in selecting an existing instrument for use in a study? How does a researcher locate an existing instrument? Part Two : Search and locate an existing instrument that will be used to address your research question. Post the title of the instrument selected and the level of measurement on the tool. Next, post a description of the type of scale used in the instrument. Include a brief discussion of data collection procedures that will be presented in your proposal.
What factors must a researcher consider in selecting an existing instrument for use in a study?
When conducting research, selecting an appropriate existing instrument is crucial to ensuring valid and reliable data collection. Researchers must consider several factors to determine whether an instrument is suitable for their specific study. First and foremost, validity is essential; the instrument must accurately measure the construct of interest. Validity can be assessed through previous research validation studies or expert review. Reliability, or the consistency of the instrument over time and across different populations, is another key consideration. Instruments with established reliability are preferred to minimize measurement error.
Relevance to the research question is critical; the instrument should align with the conceptual framework and address the specific variables under investigation. Additionally, the level of measurement—the type of data the instrument produces (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)—must be appropriate for the planned analysis. For example, if precise statistical analysis is needed, interval or ratio scales are preferable.
Practical aspects also influence selection. The length of the instrument should be manageable to avoid respondent fatigue, and the format (self-report, interview, observational) should suit the study context. The cost and accessibility of the instrument are practical considerations; some tools require licensing or purchase, which may impact feasibility.
Furthermore, cultural appropriateness and language are critical when working with diverse populations. An instrument validated in one cultural setting may not be directly applicable elsewhere unless culturally adapted and re-validated. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring participant confidentiality and data security, are also paramount.
To locate an existing instrument, researchers typically undertake a systematic literature review. They search academic databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Google Scholar using keywords related to their construct and measurement tools. Reviewing previous studies and meta-analyses can reveal instruments that have been validated and widely used. Consulting measurement repositories, such as the Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR) or the National Centers for Clinical Research, can also be helpful. Additionally, professional organizations often publish or endorse standardized instruments.
Part Two: Selecting and Describing an Existing Instrument
For my research, I have selected the "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)" as the instrument to measure perceived stress levels among college students. The PSS is a widely used psychological tool with robust validation studies supporting its reliability and validity.
The level of measurement of the PSS is primarily ordinal, as it uses Likert-type response options ranging from "Never" to "Very Often." These responses can be summed to produce a total stress score, which is often treated as interval data for statistical purposes, although technically, it is ordinal.
The PSS utilizes a Likert-scale format, comprising 10 items that probe feelings and thoughts related to stress over the past month. Respondents rate each item on a 5-point scale, with options ranging from 0 ("Never") to 4 ("Very Often"). Higher scores indicate higher perceived stress levels.
Data collection procedures for the proposed study involve administering the PSS in a paper-based or electronic format. Participants will complete the questionnaire in a designated setting or via online survey tools like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey. To ensure data quality, instructions will be provided clearly, and confidentiality assured. Data will be collected over a specified period, and responses will be coded and entered into statistical software such as SPSS for analysis. Descriptive statistics will be used to quantify stress levels, and inferential tests will examine potential relationships between perceived stress and variables like academic performance or coping strategies.
References
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