Checklists

 Definition

Checklists are used to encourage or verify that a number of specific lines of inquiry, steps, or actions are being taken, or have been taken, by a researcher. These surface in a variety of forms throughout data collection and analysis and thereafter as part of either writing or review.

A checklist is a simple instrument consisting prepared list of expected items of performance or attributes, which are checked by a researcher for their presence or absence.

Checklists are constructed by breaking performance and the quality of a product, which specifies the presence or absence of an attribute or trait which is then “checked” by the rater/observer.

Characteristics of the method

• Observe one respondent at one time.
• Clearly specify the characteristics of the behavior to the observer.
• Use only carefully prepared checklists to avoid more complex traits.
• The observer should be trained on how to observe, and how to record the observed behavior.
• Use checklists only when you are interested in calculating particular characteristics.

Main uses of the method

You can use checklists for:

• Carrying out activities in which it is important that no step is forgotten and/or tasks must be done in a established order
• Carrying out inspections where it must be recorded what the inspected points were
• Verify or examine articles.
• Examine or analyze the location of defects. Check the causes of the defects.
• Verification and analysis of operations.
• Collect data for future analysis.

Advantages of Checklists

• They allow inter-individual comparisons.
• They provide a simple method to record observations.
• They are adaptable to subject matter areas.
• They are useful in evaluating learning activities expected to be performed.
• They are helpful in evaluating procedure work.
• Properly prepared, they allow the observer to constrain the direct attention.
• They have to objectively evaluate the characteristics.
• They decrease the chances of errors in observation.

Disadvantages of checklist

• They can be time-consuming.
• Teachers find it difficult to adapt teaching and evaluation behaviors to include checklists.
• If there are too many checklists, the teacher can be overwhelmed with assessment and record-keeping.
• Teachers may not consider assessments with checklists as valid measures.
• They do not indicate how well a child or student performs.