Structured interviews use a series of predetermined questions. Open questionnaires ask for information in respondents own words. Closed or multi-choice questionnaires ask respondents to select among possible responses. Recording lessons, meetings, or discussions can produce large amounts of useful data which can be later transcribed and analyzed. Focus groups are targeted toward specific issues and usually involve 5-8 persons.
Participants respond to structured questions.
Adapted from The Action Research Planner , edited by Stephen Kemmits and Robin McTaggart, Deakin University Press, Victoria 3217, Australia and The Maine Center for Educational Services newsletter. All rights reserved.