Data Collection Strategies - Value and Appropriateness

During EDU671, you engaged in a discussion regarding the type of data collection tools that you would use for your action research and were asked to justify their use in your study. You learned from Mills (2014) that, “the interpretation of qualitative data is the researcher’s attempt to find meaning, to answer the ‘So what?’ in terms of the implications of the study’s finding” (p.133). In EDU671, you explored data collection techniques and the process of triangulation of this information to the overall study. In this assignment, you further consider the method of data collection to narrow to the most logical and relevant approach to arrive at an answer to your respective research question(s). Make sure the type of data you plan to collect continues to be appropriate for your study. 

The finalization of the type of data collection adds value to your research. This assignment provides a useful framework for the development of the final project in this course in Week Six. You begin the implementation phase of your research in Week Two. During Weeks Two to Four you collect data. Here, in Week One, you consider the type of data you will obtain by referring to and updating as necessary the  Data Collection Tool that you used in EDU671; below is an example:

* For those that are participating in this research that are involved in a non-educational organization, this project-based learning could be implemented many ways. The emphasis in action research, no matter what the organization or setting that is accessed, is learning with others rather than about others for the purpose of developing a reflective practitioner. It is important to consider, however, that the subjects of your study will with adults. Any research taking part outside of a school setting cannot involve minor children. Here are some examples:

• Community: Implement a plan for Home Owners Associations meetings, implement new/different services at community center based on member feedback.
• Work setting: Implementation of an organizational or time management strategy with fellow employees.
• Church setting: Implement a strategy on an adult study team or bible study team.
• Own (minor) children: Implement a strategy for study skills and/or habits, organization or time management strategies, use of manners with others, implementing an earlier bed time.

Construct your assignment to meet the content and written communication expectations below. 

Content Expectations

• Study Title (.5 Points): Create a brief yet descriptive and creative title for the study.
• Purpose (.5 Points): Explain the purpose of your study.
• Research Questions (1 Points): State your research questions in a list format.
• Forms of Data (1.5 Points): In two-to-three paragraphs, describe the multiple forms of data that you will collect (observations, interviews, artifacts, etc.) and how this information will inform your research.
• Value of Data (2.5 Points): In two-to-three paragraphs, explain the value of the selected forms of data and how this information will inform the focus and research questions.
• Data Collection Tool (1 Points): Complete the Data Collection Tool and include it as an appendix in the assignment document. You may also need to make updates, revisions, or other adjustments, depending on any changes you have made to your study.

Written Communication Expectations

• Page Requirement (.5 points): Three-to-four pages, not including title, references, and appendix pages.
• APA Formatting (.5 points): Use APA formatting consistently throughout the assignment.
• Syntax and Mechanics (.5 points): Display meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.
• Source Requirement (.5 points): Use no less than two scholarly sources in addition to the Buczynski and Hansen (2014) and Mills (2009) textbooks, providing compelling evidence to support ideas, and if applicable, reference to original project if enhancement of existing project occurred. All sources on the reference page need to be used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.