The BSU-Higher Education Regional Research Center (HERRC) recently concluded a comprehensive seven-part webinar series focused on enhancing data collection skills for researchers. Titled “Navigating the Landscape of Data Collection: Tool Development and Validation Strategies,” the series ran from April 7 to May 9, 2025, providing practical knowledge and best practices across a range of methodologies.

VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, in his opening remarks on April 7, underscored the vital role of robust data collection in research. HERRC Director Janet Lynn M. Balagtey outlined the series’ rationale emphasizing that well-designed instruments are crucial for reliable research outcomes. The series aimed to equip researchers with skills in both quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as address technological, ethical, reliability, and validity considerations.

Balagtey’s initial presentation detailed the design and development of tests and scales, distinguishing between tools that assess ability and those that measure attitudes. She outlined key steps in instrument development, from defining research objectives to pilot testing and finalization.

Subsequent sessions covered a variety of crucial topics. The April 14 session presented by Karryl Mae C. Ngina presenting on “Observation in Research,” with a focus on naturalistic observation-collecting data in real-world settings without interference. She explained its key components, strengths, and limitations, contrasting it with laboratory studies. Ngina provided examples and tools for observation in educational and environmental contexts, guidance on writing field notes, and the use of descriptive and interpretive methods. She stressed ethical considerations, observer bias, reflexivity, and positionality, offering strategies to ensure accurate and respectful data collection. The session concluded with methods for analyzing and presenting observational data, such as thematic analysis and evidence-based reporting.

The third session, presented by Virgo C. Lopez, addressed conducting interviews and focus group discussions to gain deeper qualitative insights. Lopez highlighted the differences between these methods and underscored the importance of advanced listening skills-such as active and empathetic listening-to capture rich, meaningful data. Practical tips on question formulation and fostering open, honest communication were shared, emphasizing that attentive listening is key to unlocking valuable participant perspectives.

In Session 04, Mark Preston S. Lopez discussed data triangulation as a strategy to enhance research validity by using multiple data sources and methods. He outlined its goals-reducing bias, enriching data, and confirming findings-and described seven types of triangulation. Lopez also shared strategies to ensure data trustworthiness and practical tips for applying triangulation throughout the research process. He noted limitations, including its time-consuming nature and the fact that it does not guarantee validity, stressing that triangulation strengthens research by integrating diverse perspectives while guarding against bias.

Session 05 presented by Johna G. Belardo discussing how technology improves data collection by making it faster, more accurate, and cost-effective. She introduced popular survey apps such as Google Forms and SurveyMonkey, highlighting their features, advantages, and limitations, including internet dependency and privacy concerns. The session emphasized leveraging digital tools to enhance data quality and efficiency while being mindful of their challenges.

In Session 06, Freda Kate Samuel covered the importance of reliability and validity in developing research instruments that yield consistent and accurate data, directly influencing the credibility of findings. She explained that validity ensures an instrument measure what it is intended to, while reliability confirms consistent performance across time, raters, and contexts-both achieved through expert review, pilot testing, and statistical analysis.

Finally, Marina Sagandoy presented on “Ethical Considerations in Data Collection: Best Practices for Researchers,” outlining core ethical principles and practical strategies for responsible research. Her discussion focused on informed consent, participant protection, and data confidentiality, using real-world case studies to emphasize transparency, fairness, and critical self-reflection to uphold participants’ rights and maintain ethical integrity throughout the research process.

BSU-HERRC webinar series acts as a foundational support for sustainable development by enhancing the human capacity for rigorous and ethical research. This strengthens the university’s ability to generate reliable knowledge, contributing directly to Quality Education #SDG4, reinforcing Strong Institutions #SDG16 through ethical practices and evidence-based approaches, and ultimately providing the essential data backbone for progress across all other SDGs.//