Theory to Data Collection Instrument
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There is a direct relationship between the Theoretical Framework or Construct and the Data Collection Instrument Quantitative Analysis – Survey of Closed-Ended Questions Theoretical Framework Data Collection Instrument Dependent Concept Question Dependent Variable Concept Question Variable Independent Concept Question Independent Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Variable II Concept Question Variable II Independent Concept Question Independent Variable III Concept Question Variable III Independent Concept Question Independent Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Variable I Independent Independent Variable V Independent Variable IV Independent Variable V Theory Theory Variable IV Variable I Qualitative Analysis – Questionnaire of Semi-Structured Questions Theoretical Construct Factor Factor Factor Factor Factor Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Factor Factor Factor Factor Factor Factor Theory Theory Factor Data Collection Instrument Qualitative Analysis – Interview of Open-Ended Questions Theoretical Construct Factor Data Collection Instrument Concept Concept Concept Factor Concept Question Question Question Concept Question Concept Question Question Question Factor Question Question Question Factor Concept Concept Factor Concept Concept Factor Factor Concept Question Question Question Concept Question Concept Question Question Question Concept OR Factor Factor Factor Factor Theory Theory Factor Question Question Question Qualitative Analysis – Interview of Open-Ended Questions Theoretical Construct Factor Factor Factor Factor Factor Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Concept Question Question Question Concept Question Concept Question Concept Question Factor Factor Factor Factor Factor Factor Theory Theory Factor Data Collection Instrument The Topic of Inquiry leads to the organization (taxonomy and categorization) of the Literature Review, which leads to the development of the Theoretical Framework or Construct. The Theoretical Framework or Construct is the source of the questions developed for Surveys, Questionnaires, and Interviews. Since there is a direct relationship between the Theoretical Framework or Construct and the Data Collection Instrument, data collected should always be related to the Theoretical Framework or Construct. Closed-Ended Questions and Semi-Structured Questions should only link to one concept in the framework or construct. In other words the response to a question of these types should only satisfy or answer one concept. Questions of these types that satisfy or answer more than one question are not clear and concise enough, and the resulting data will not yield specific reliable data. The diagram above might lead you to believe there is a one question to one concept relationship. However, you might have multiple questions concerning each concept; the only rules are that you do not leave assumptions unquestioned or gaps in the questions, which leave data uncollected. Theory Emotional Intelligence Factor Empathy Concept Understanding Others – sensing others’ feelings and perspectives, taking an active interest in their concerns Developing Others – Sensing others’ Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. development needs and fostering their abilities Service Orientation – Anticipating, recognizing, and meeting others’ needs Leveraging Diversity – Cultivating opportunities through different kinds of people Political Awareness – Reading a group’s emotional currents and power relationships 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Open-Ended Questions should be artfully crafted to be as inclusive of the factors making up the Theoretical Construct in as few questions as possible. If you have too many questions you are really constructing a questionnaire of semi-structured questions. Recommended reading: Schensul, S. L., Schensul, J. J., & LeCompte, M. D. (1999). Essential ethnographic methods: Observations, Interviews, and Questionnaires. Walnut Creek, California: Altamira Press. *A great reference for developing your theoretical framework, your data collection instruments, and tips for administering your data collection instrument.
