Collecting Data
through
Observations and
Interviews
The most frequently used
data collection methods in
qualitative
research
are
observations and interviews.
Interview is a conversation that is
intended to obtain specific kinds of
information. It explores the interviewee’s
opinions, beliefs, viewpoints, thoughts,
experiences and judgements about
something.
A group interview is conducted
with
several
respondents
simultaneously – ideally six to ten
people,
or
depending
on
researcher’s need for the study.
the
Group interviews can be classified
into two types:
Focus group
Natural group
FOCUS GROUP
–participants are selected through purposive
sampling in which exclusion and inclusion
criteria
are
considered
to
identify
the
participants who will best fit in the study (e.g.
senior high school students who are displaced due
to pandemic; families which belong to a particular
indigenous group)
NATURAL GROUP
– the participants belong to a
group that exists independently of
the study (e.g. all students in a class; all
employees in a company).
An interview schedule is the research
instrument often used in this method. It gives
the interview the desired amount of
structure and guarantees that the flow of
interview stays on track.
A topic guide is less restrictive in nature
which allows the respondents to engage in
a more free and dynamic conversation
during a group interview.
TYPES OF INTERVIEW
1. Structured
2. Unstructured
3. Semi-structured
Guide in Conducting In-depth Interviews
(Prieto, et.al, 2017)
1. Planning Stage
- Identify the target participants in the study.
- Have a listing of the participants to be interviewed.
2. Development of Instrument
- Develop the interview schedule/guide.
- List the questions to be asked during the interview.
- An ideal number of not more than 15 questions
may guide you in the interview.
Sample Interview Questions
1. Open-ended questions
Please describe your thoughts about Alternative Learning System
(ALS). As an ALS student,
• What activities do you perform inside and outside the
classroom?
• How will you describe your activities inside the classroom?
• How will you describe your activities outside the classroom?
• Describe the quality of modules and other learning materials
you are using.
• Describe the strategies being used by your teachers to help
you succeed in your studies.
Sample Interview Questions
2. Probing questions for further clarification
• What else can you say about the program?
• Kindly elaborate the issue on the quality of
modules.
• Please tell me more about your experiences.
• Please give examples.
• Please explain further your thoughts.
Observation is a method that is used to
collect data on natural phenomena or
behavior as it occurs. The researcher and
participant/s
must
do
it
in
a
quiet,
inconspicuous, and unobtrusive manner to
get realistic data while considering different
dimensions.
An
observation
checklist
is
quantitative in nature, and makes use
of ratings or numerical rankings.
On the other hand, an observation
guide is more qualitative, and allows
for more general and descriptive
documentation.
Sample Observation Checklist on “Identification of Children’s
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in the Classroom”