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 * Assignment 6. Instrumentation. **


 * Decide what instruments you will use to measure your dependent variables. **
 * It is extremely important that you decide how to measure your variables. By careful use of instruments you can also eliminate threats to validity. There are many kinds of data we can use depending on what we need to know. **


 * Consider the following. **

Kinds of Data

•Demographic •Interview •Survey •Questionnaire •Observations •Rating Scales •Grades •Test Scores •Performance Ratings Once you know the kind of data you need then you must decide the best way to collect the information. It is important to make sure the way you plan to collect information aligns with your purposes. Will it answer your questions? Think carefully about what you think should change as a result of your study. If it is an increase in vocabulary, decide on how you can measure this increase. Perhaps you are charting a decrease in acting out behaviors—for this you would design a tally sheet to record misbehaviors that you identify. We will discuss how you will record changes in attitude in the next section. The figure below lists instruments that you might consider depending on your questions and the dependent variable you chose (the “then” variable).

–Interview Schedules –Tally Sheets –Flowcharts –Performance Checklist –Anecdotal records –Time & motion logs –Rubrics || –Questionnaires –Self Checklists –Attitude scales –Personality or – Character inventories –Achievement / aptitude tests –Performance tests –Projective devices –Sociometric Devices –Rubrics ||
 * Data Collection Instruments **
 * Researcher Completes || Subject Completes ||
 * –Rating Scales

Think about your question(s) and decide the kind of data you need. Remember your dependent variables are quantitative. You will need to pick a way to get a score that you will use in your data analysis.

Describe the performance or outcome variable that you are predicting will change after the intervention. Tell how you will measure this variable. Include if you will have students complete a scale or take a test. For example:
 * POSTING: ON YOUR PROPOSAL PAGE POST THE FOLLOWING BY November 14. **

Dependent variable—writing fluency and originality

I will use a pre and post writing sample completed by the students. Fluency will be measured by tallying the amount of words in the writing sample. Originality will be measured by using a rubric with dimensions of originality.

S**AMPLE OF WHAT WILL GO IN YOUR ACTION RESEARCH PROPOSAL after approval of instrumentation. This is Part V of your Research Proposal as shown on home page.**
 * For your proposal complete the matrix for your study following the model below. Due March 18. **

What is my research question? Chapter test || Teacher Observations || Observation by Department head ||  ||
 * Data Collection **
 * Will using choice enhance student performance and attitude in math class? **
 * What are my dependent or outcome variables: **
 * 1. Performance **
 * 2. Attitude **
 * Dependent variable measures ||||||  ||   ||
 * ^  || Students || Teacher || Others ||   ||
 * 1. Performance || Pre/post
 * 2. Attitude || Pre/post Likert Scale

Interview of several students about the treatment and their reaction ||  ||   ||   ||