Key Concepts: Data Collection Techniques

Powell

• Focus group - a group interview designed to explore in depth the feelings and beliefs people hold and to learn how these beliefs shape overt behavior.  Generally, the discussions start broadly and gradually narrow down to the focus of the research.
• Usability testing - form of human ethnographic observation combined with ergonomics and cognitive psychology.

 Wildemuth

• Think-aloud protocols - research method used to understand the subjects' cognitive processes based on their verbal reports of their thoughts during experiments. Its purpose is to obtain information about what happens in the human mind when it processes information to solve problems or make decisions in diverse contexts.
• Participant observation - research method in which (1) the researcher is a participant in the setting; (2) such participation leads to a better understanding of the people and social processes that occur within that setting; and (3) this understanding can lead to better theories about social processes in that setting and similar settings.  The challenge to the researcher is balancing the roles of participant and observer.
• Research diaries - research method that that comprises a varied set of data collection instruments and techniques that range from descriptive event logs to narrative personal accounts. Research can conceptually resemble other data collection methods such as the questionnaire, the interview, or observation.