Research Instruments
1) The research instrument is a tool for obtaining data (primary and secondary data) from data
sources
2) From the research instrument, data will be obtained which will be processed, tabulated,
analyzed (statistics, theoretical analysis, hypothesis testing to conclusions)
3) The research instrument aims to explore data, so that the questionnaire used must be
objective, not tricky, too directing, suggesting, patronizing, testing, revealing personal
secrets, or revealing things irrelevant to the research objectives.
4) Research instruments are needed in quantitative research aimed at obtaining data by using
Instrument standard or Created by researchers (must be standardized)
5) The research instrument is used to measure the value of the variable under study, so that the
number of instruments depends on the number of research variables
6) Each research instrument must have a measurement scale so that the data obtained is
accurate and easy to analyze
Characteristics of a good research instrument
1) Valid (shahih) → validity → the instrument's ability to measure what should be measured r
2) Reliabel → reliability → consistency of measuring instruments when used in the
measurement process
3) Sensitive → obtain the actual data or the process under study
4) High objectivity → Free from outside influences
5) Good feasibility → Can be tested at any time
Questions in Developing Instruments
1) What data should be collected?
2) What are the instruments for collecting data?
3) Who will collect the data?
4) How much does it cost to collect data?
5) How much manpower is required to collect data?
6) What are the procedures that must be met to collect data?
Data collection
Considerations that are necessary in data collection so that data is relevant, including :
1) Data reliability and authentication based on research objectives are achieved
2) Data sources can answer the desired questions in the study
3) The circumstances and processes that affect data sources can be controlled
4) Data sources can represent populations and regions
5) The data collection technique used was in accordance with the research objectives
Measurement Scale
The measurement scale most often used :
1) Nominal scale → In the form of numbers to make it easier to express an object, event
2) Ordinal scale → The form of a statement "greater than" or "less than", regardless of how big
the difference between the two
3) Interval scale → Balanced number adjustment
4) Ratio scale → Has an absolute value from the measurement result of zero (0)
Nominal data is an arithmetic number
1) Also called a categoric scale
2) The measurement scale used as a comparison
3) For example, if the marital status is stated as 1, 2, 3, or 4 then
i. Cannot be stated 4 > 2 or 3 < 4
ii. It can't be written 3–1 = 4 – 2, 1+3 = 4 or 4÷2 = 2.
Ordinal data is The scale serves to express the difference (inequalities) (difference and ranking or
order). For example, if one school is compared with another based on the level of service
satisfaction and excellence.
Ordinal data can be expressed as a rank or measure
i. For example: Ranking I, II, III
ii. Ordinal data can also be expressed in the form of a scale, but the interval between rank I and
rank II is not equivalent
Interval Data is in addition to setting up inequalities we can also form differences at the same
interval, but it doesn’t have an absolute zero value
Suppose the temperature readings (F): 58°, 63°, 70°, 95°, 110°, 126° and 135°.
i. If 110° > 70° or 95° < 135° means 110° warmer than 70° and that 95° is cooler than 135°
ii. It would not mean that 126° is twice as hot as 63°, even though 126° ÷ 63° = 2. (temperature
becomes 5/9 (126 – 32) = 52°C, the second temperature becomes 5/9 (63 – 32) = 17° C
iii. This difficulty arises from the fact that Fahrenheit and Celcius scales both have artificial
origins (zeros)
4.Data Ratio is to setting up inequalities and forming differences we can also form quotients but it
has absolute zero value
i. Ratio data includes all the usual measurement (or determinations) of length, height, money
amounts, weight, volume, area, pressures etc
ii. The value could be compared and mathematics could be used
Example :
i. 100 Kg is twice as 50 kg
ii. 1000 meter has length 20 x 50 meter
iii. Etc
Types of Research Instruments
Various types of instruments as techniques for collecting data
1. Observation
2. Interview
3. Questionnaire
4. Sosiometric
5. Test
1. Observation
Observation technique is a technique of collecting data using the senses (not only by using the eyes
only)
i. Listening, smelling, tasting, feeling are all forms of observation
ii. The instruments used in the observation were observation guides and observation sheets
2. Interview
i. Direct communication: observation & data collection through direct communication with the
object of research
ii. Indirect communication: observation and research data collection is carried out indirectly
through the intermediary of tools (video recordings, etc.)
3. Questionnaire
i. It is called a communication technique through a questionnaire because it is done to obtain
research data indirectly using a questionnaire or survey package
ii. Data collection is carried out to collect data by dividing a list of questions to respondents so
that the respondent provides answers
4. Sosiometry
i. Data collection methods regarding choices, communication, and interaction patterns
between individuals in groups
ii. Used to examine the psychological social relationships that exist between individuals in a
social group
iii. Widely used for: measuring educational problems, Social group dynamics (class,
employees, teachers, etc.), Provide an overview of the level of social position of members in
the group, Covering changes in social relations in the group, Provide an overview of the
positive and negative impacts, The response given is always tied to a certain situation
5. Test
1) The test is used to collect evaluation data (differentiate between the initial condition and the
condition afterwards)
2) Assessment of learning outcomes can be interpreted as the process of determining the merits
of data on student learning outcomes by using tests
3) The scoring system (test)
i. Norms Reference Assessment (Penilaian Acuan Norma, PAN)
ii. Criteria Reference Assessment or Benchmark Reference Assessment (Penilaian
Acuan Kriteria atau Penilaian Acuan Patokan (PAP)
