Characteristics of a Good Research Instrument
Not all research instruments are created equal. A well-designed instrument should possess several key characteristics:
Valid and Reliable – As discussed earlier, these are non-negotiable qualities for any serious research instrument.
Grounded in Theory – Your instrument should be based on a conceptual framework or the researcher’s understanding of how the particular variables in the study connect with each other.
Relevant and Suitable – The instrument must gather data suitable for and relevant to your specific research topic. An instrument that works beautifully for one study might be entirely inappropriate for another.
Hypothesis-Testing Capable – Your instrument should be able to test hypotheses or answer the proposed research questions under investigation.
Culturally Appropriate – The instrument should be free of bias and appropriate for the context, culture, and diversity of your study site. Questions that work in one cultural context may be confusing or offensive in another.
Clear Instructions – Your instrument should contain clear and definite instructions for its use, both for administrators and respondents.