Page 242 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Software Project Management

Notes Information gathered through the tools provides descriptions of characteristics of individuals,
institutions or other phenomena under study. It is useful for measuring the various variables
pertaining to the study.

Notes The variables and their interrelationships are analysed for testing the hypothesis or
for exploring the content areas set by the research objectives.
A brief description of the various tools of data collection is given below.

Observation Schedule

This is a form on which observations of an object or a phenomenon are recorded. The items to be
observed are determined with reference to the nature and objectives of the study. They are
grouped into appropriate categories and listed in the schedule in the order in which the observer
would observe them.
The schedule must be so devised as to provide the required verifiable and quantifiable data and
to avoid selective bias and misinterpretation of observed items. The units of observation must
be simple, and meticulously worded so as to facilitate precise and uniform recording.

Interview Guide

This is used for non-directive and depth interviews. It does not contain a complete list of items
on which information has to be elicited from a respondent: it just contains only the broad topics
or areas to be covered in the interview.
Interview guide serves as a suggestive reference or prompter during interview. It aids in focussing
attention on salient points relating to the study and in securing comparable data in different
interviews by the same or different interviewers.

Interview Schedule and Mailed Questionnaire

Both these tools are widely used in surveys. Both are complete lists of questions on which
information is elicited from the respondents. The basic difference between them lies in recording
responses. While the interviewer fills out a schedule, the respondent completes a questionnaire.

Rating Scale

This is a recording form used for measuring individual’s attitudes, aspirations and other
psychological and behavioural aspects, and group behaviour.

Checklist

This is the simplest of all the devices. It consists of a prepared list of items pertinent to an object
or a particular task. The presence or absence of each item may be indicated by checking ‘yes’ or
‘no’ or multipoint scale. The use of a checklist ensures a more complete consideration of all
aspects of the object, act or task. Checklists contain terms, which the respondent understands,
and which more briefly and succinctly express his views than answers to open-ended question.
It is a crude device, but careful pre-test can make it less so. It is at best when used to test specific
hypothesis. It may be used as an independent tool or as a part of a schedule/questionnaire.

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