CREMES International epowering Research nen | Research DESIGN ‘Observational * Cross-sectional, Cohort Case-Control, Descriptive * Exploratory Explanatory elational Bor) METHOD Quantitative Qualitative Mixed STRATEGIES Used to Implement The Research (Data Collection Methods) Surveys, Experiments, Polls, Phone: Interviews, Secondary Data Analysis e In-depth Interviews, Focus Groups, Participants Observations, Records etc. A mix of any of the aboveAES International ering Research Excel Lenc paring Quantitative vs. Q ualitative Resear To quantify occurrences. To describe occurrences such a behaviours, attitudes, opinion: - Answering questions on how many & how - Answering questions on how, i much. what circumstances? Example: + How many young people drink alcohol? + How much do young people spend on alcohol? How do young start drinkir Wy do young people di rink alcohol? To predict causal relationships. To describe and expl Example: anes Girls who received training & support in The majority of “menstrual health management were five timesDeals with numbers "Data can be observed and measurede.g. *D Ages, length, height, area, volume, : weight, cost, etc. iClose-ended with fixed response options. Example: What colour is your shirt? a. Black’ b. Brown c. Red Participants/respondents are selected randomly. Open-ended to allow to respond more e greater detail) and in words. Example: What colour is your shirt? Participants/respot selectedQuantitative eo is stable from beginning to end. For example: 1. Researchers ask all participants identical ‘questions in the same order. | .. Addition or removal of questions is not. lowed after study has started. rticipant responses do not infl \d which questions re t rules regarding samial | CREMES International ore Statistical tests are used for No statistical te: analysis rences : ‘More generalizableREMES International avering Research Excet lence In-depth Interviews (IDIs)/ Key Informant erview (KIIs) inition: Is a conversation with an individual Conducted by trained staff which usually aims at collecting specific information about one person:A | | CREMES International I. In-depth Interviews (IDIs)/ Key Informant Interview (Ks) Definition: Is a conversation with an individual conducted by trained staff which usually aims at collecting specific information about one person. Uses: + Eliciting data on individual views/concerns. * Suitable for sensitive and too personal topics, such as living with HIV/AIDS, sexuality, infertility, financial status, | abortion etc. 4CREMES International npowering Research Excellence : In-depth interviews (IDI)/ key informant interview (KII) cont... Advantages: * Provide much more detailed information. *The interviewer have a chance to follow-up on questions and probe for meaning. * It is Easier to implement (as compared to FGDs). It is often easier to speak to one Person and ke her attention than to address a group.| | CREMES International Il. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Definition/Characteristics of a FGD * Form of qualitative research in which a group of 6-12 people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards a shared phenomenon e.g., a health problem, a product, services they received, their traditions and norms etc. * A moderator introduces the topic and assists the participants to discuss it while encouraging interaction and guiding the conversation. * The participants usually have similar background characteristics (such as age, gender, ethnicity, religion, educational background, social and cultural experiences etc.,).CREMES International Enpower'ng Research Exce\t IL Focus group discussions (FGDs) cont... Advantages: » Low in cost and provides speedy results * Encourages interaction between participants. * Interaction allows participants to provide checks and balances, thus minimizing false or extreme views. * “Interaction” is a unique feature of FGDs which is less accessible in individual interviews. Uses: * Eliciting data on group values and experiences (vs. individual values’ experiences) * Generates a broader view of issues of concern to the group reprey CREMES Inter: Empowering Research IL. Focus group discussions (FGDs) cont... Limitations: * Not sufficiently in depth to allow the researchers to gain a good understanding of the participants’ experiences. ® Discussions can be sidetracked or dominated by a few vocal individuals. * Not suitable for topics which are seen as too personal (such as living with HIV/AIDS, sexuality, infertility, financial status, divorce, domestic violence and abortion Glc..)},ia CREMES International IL. Observation Method of Data Collection Definition: Process of learning through exposure to or involvement in the day-to- day. activities of participants in their natural setting over a prolonged period of time. - Observations may involve; watching, listening, reading, touching, and recording behaviors and characteristics of living beings, objects or phenomena. Use: To gain a deeper familiarity with behaviours & practices of a given group o individuals (e.¢., a religious group, a certain cipation through cae involvement with them in their day-to-day activities. Useful when conducting research on individuals who are unable to give verbal reports articulate themselves meaningfully e.g.” children, cri Beaty parce cecmnnstuly es: ren, crippled, and mentally andCREMES International apawer ing Rese" Participant observation cont.. Advantages: - It provides richly detailed descriptions in their natural setting, - Allows access to “backstage culture" (information is not usually discussed during interviews). - Very powerful in collecting information on non-verbal behaviours. Limitations: * Researcher bias: findings are greatly influenced by the researchers’ interpretation of events based on personal beliefs. * Presence of a researcher may limit participants natural freedom. + Inability to gather information on such topics as opinions, beliefs, preferences etc.,ia CREMES International Empowering Research txc = When to Use Each Qualitative Data Collection Method? Topic (beliefs/perceptions/feelings/ practices /experiences) Sensitivity Sensitive Status Past & present Information Level Individual Depth of information In-depth Budget / Cost Enough budget Available Time Enough time Feas' groups ity of gathering people in Not easy Non-sensitive Past & present Shared Broad views Limited budget Limited time Easy 7 Nic Ara (el Roacucue Both Present / Ongoing Both Broad views Depends on duration Depends on duration N/A‘he CREMES International MM spor ing vosenren ete Using More Than One Data Dollection Method * Using more than one data collection method is called « Triangulation of Methods”. * Based on the needs and circumstances, one may include: + Use all qualitative data collection methods in one study + e.g., IDIs/Klls + FGDs + Observation * May mix qualitative and quantitative data collection methods * Surveys + IDIs/FGDsCREMES International Enponering Research excetlenc Added advantages of using more than one method in a single study * Quantitative + Qualitative methods . egy tates quantifying occurrences while answering questions such as why & OW. * IDIs + FGDs * While IDIs offer in-depth descriptions, FGDs'may offer check and balance of findings to minimize bias. * FGDs may also offer faster and cheaper method of collecting additional information where needed. + Observations * May serve to evaluate fidelity of whatever is being reported i.e., observing directly.ia | CREMES International Agood example of triangulation of methods is in evaluation of programs where one may: Review of program documents - qualitative p Analysis of program monitoring data - quantitative 3. Conduct observations of program activities - qualitative and/or quantitative 4. Administer surveys / questionnaires among program beneficiaries - quantitative 5. Conducting IDIs/Klls & FGDs among various key program stakeholders - qualitative