Question

Collecting Reliable Data in my Professional Setting

1. Name and describe one data collection instrument that is used in YOUR field. It does not have to be your current field.

* this discussion is about the observer's reliability when using the instrument....NOT the instrument's reliability...see below.

2. How do you, OR would you, assure interobserver reliability when using this instrument? Please describe thoroughly.

3. How do you, OR would you, assure intraobserver reliability when using this instrument? Please describe thoroughly.

Note: In spite of the fact that you are selecting a data collection INSTRUMENT for this posting.....this concept is about the OBSERVER'S reliability when using this instrument.

For example, as the observer, a Weight Watcher meeting leader might use a data collection instrument such as a digital scale. With that in mind, to answer this forum, the observer would indicate how he/she practices interobserver reliability with all of the other WW meeting leaders at one location: they all use the same scale, they all allow shoes to come off and pockets to be emptied; they all weigh at the beginning of the meeting.....etc. In other words, the leaders calibrate how they "observe" the data they are collecting with the data collection instrument.

In contrast, if the observer is the only person that is overseeing the data collection at a meeting, he/she may describe intrarelibility as their standard routine of data collection (each and every time) - having everyone stand on the same place on the scale, having everyone empty their pockets, weighing everyone at the beginning of the meeting. So, to assure that the observer has intraobserver reliability, he/she standardizes their own methods and to make certain to follow the same methods with everyone that is observed.

This course is about recognizing and using evidence. So, in order to earn full points, you will need to support each of your postings with the appropriate evidence.

Answer 1

Data collection instruments or tools refers to the device used to collect data.Each of the reserchers use or follow their own tools or instruments according to their study

1.Here i am describing regarding one of the method is observational method that most of the reserchers will follow for data collection.The observational method in the sense here i am describing checking and recording of bp of the patients by classical sphygmomanometer who is coming to the general opd

While checking BP with spygmomanometer we have to follow some principles

Principles while checking BP:

*Do not speak

*Sit with back-supported

*Place blood pressure cuf at mid-arm

*Rest arm at heart level

*Keep the legs uncrossed

*Place the feet flat on the floor

2.Interobserver reliability

• Inter observer reliability is used to assess the degree to which different observers give estimates of the same phenomenon
• in case of checking bp i am not assure the interobserver reliability.It is less reliable why because all of them who are checking will not be follow all the principles followed by other observer who are checking the bp with the same instrument

3.Intraobserver reliability

• Intraobserver reliability refers to the stability of an individual's observation of phenomenon at two or more intervals of time
• In case of checking bp intraobserver reliability is high that means i am assure of intraobserver reliability while comparing with interobserver reliability

For making the interobserver reliability to be highly reliable we have to follow the checklists or predefined principles that should be followed by each and every observers for the specified tool or instrument.