Issues in the Development of Non-Test Instruments

Issues in the Development of Non-Test Instruments
 (Rating scales, semantic differential scales, checklists, questionnaires and others)

by: I.G.A. Lokita Purnamika Utami and Rina Sari

For the purpose of collecting new relevant data for a research study, the investigator needs to select proper instruments termed as tools and techniques. The major tools of research can be classified into broad categories of inquiry form, observation, interview, social measures and Psychological tests.

Among the inquiry forms, there are Rating scale, attitude scale, opinionnaire, questionnaire checklist and semantic differential scale.  Observation and Interview are explained as the techniques of data collection.  In psychological tests, Aptitude tests and inventories are discussed.

Rating scale is a technique which is designed or constructed to asses the personality of an individual.  It is very popular in testing applied psychology, vocational guidance and counseling as well as in basic research.  They measure the degree or amount of the indicated judgments.

            Attitude scale is the device by which the feelings or beliefs of persons are described and measured indirectly through securing their responses to a set of favourable statements.  Thurstone and Likert scale are commonly adopted for attitude scaling.

Opinionnaire is a special form of inquiry.  It is used by the researcher to collect the opinions of a sample of population.  It is usually used in descriptive type research.

Questionnaire is a tool which used frequently.  The purpose is to gathered information from widely scattered sources.  Data collected in written form through this tool.

Checklist is a selected list of words, Phrases, Sentences and paragraphs following which an observer records a check mark to denote a presence or absence of whatever is being observed.  It calls for a simple yes / no judgments.  The main purpose is to call attention to various aspects of an object or situation, to see that nothing of importance is overlooked.

Semantic Differential Scale is a seven point scale and the end points of the scale are associated with bipolar labels.  This scale helps o determine overall similarities and differences among objects.

Aptitude tests are psychological tests attempt to product the capacities or the degree of achievement expected from individuals in a particular activity.  The purpose is to test a candidate’s profile.

Inventory is a list, or record containing traits, preferences, attitudes interests or abilities used to evaluate personal characteristics or skills.  Strong’s vocational interest inventory is an example of interest inventory.

Observation method is a technical in which the behaviour research subjects is watched and recorded without any direct contact.  It deals with the overt behaviour of persons in controlled or uncontrolled situations.

Interview is an oral type of questionnaire where the subject supplies the needed information in a face to face situation.  It is specially appropriate for dealing with young children, illiterates, dull and the abnormal.

References:

Siddhu Kulbir Singh (1992). Methodology of Research in Education. New Delhi:

            Sterling Publisher.

Sukhia S. P. and Mehrotra P. V. (1983). Elements of Educational Research.

            New Delhi: Allied Publisher Private Limited.

Denscombe, Martyn (1999). The Good Research Guide. New Delhi: Viva Books

            Private Limited.