QUALITATIVE DATA GATHERING METHODS

At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to;

1. Differentiate the types of methods of data gathering in qualitative research design.

2. Analyze the types of documents needed for conducting qualitative research.

1. INTERVIEW

-is a one-on-one conversation where questions are asked by the researcher and answers are promptly given by the participant. It is conducted when there is a need to collect in- depth information on people’s opinions, thoughts, experiences and feelings. Verbatim quotes from the interviewee should be noted.

2. KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS (KII)

-are designed to explore a topic before digging for the details of the situation. Its purpose is to collect4 information from a wide range of people like community leaders, professionals or residents who have firsthand about the situation or the community. It is commonly conducted face-to-face and can include closed-ended and open-ended questions. They involve interviewing people who have particularly informed perspectives on an aspect of the program being evaluated.  They are in-depth interviews of 15 to 35 people selected for their first-hand knowledge about a topic of interest.

3. FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD)

-involves gathering people from similar backgrounds or experiences together to discuss a specific topic of interest. The main purpose of FGD is to enhance, change or create a common idea or concern. FGD is a way of observing a small group of people talking about a particular issue to develop a topic with some directions from a mediator.

4. PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION

-allows the researcher to not only observe the participants but also actively engages in their activities. It provides the researcher with access to different types of information that may not be easily accessible to outsiders.

Participant observer   integrates himself      into the environment and is often considered part of the culture and group.

5. PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL

(PRA) is a qualitative research method that enables the researchers to interact with vulnerable people to share, enhance and analyze their knowledge of life conditions to plan, act, and monitor and evaluate what they have observed and experienced.

PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL (PRA) is an intensive, systematic but semi-structured learning experience carried out in a community by a multi-disciplinary team which includes community members.

The conduct of PRA requires the following: (1) respect for community members; (2) interest in what the people know, say, show and do; (3) patience’ without rushing and interrupting; (4)   listening, not lecturing; and (5) humility.

One of the dangers of PRA is that going too quickly may lead to superficiality.

6. DOCUMENT ANALYSIS (REVIEW OF RECORDS)

= is a qualitative method in which documents are reviewed by the researcher to assess what is the story behind those records. It is far more cost efficient and time efficient than conducting your own research or experiment.

Examples of Documents:

•        Written Or Printed Materials

•        Program Records

•        Memoranda

•        Official Publications

•        Personal  Diaries

•        Letters

•        Artistic Works

•        Photographs

•        Memorabilia

•        Minutes Of The Meetings

•        Archival Materials, Etc.

Archival Materials and Artifacts

ARCHIVAL MATERIALS include books, manuscripts, papal records, local Church records, photographs, oral histories, audio- visual materials and architectural drawings. All of these materials can be sources of interesting stories to make.

ARTIFACTS  (Artefacts)- are  simple objects showing human workmanship or modification that was made in the past. These include stone tools, pottery vessels, metal objects such as weapons and items of personal adornment such as buttons, jewelry and clothing. Bones that show     signs of human modifications are also examples of artifacts. Artifacts can be sources of data for potential qualitative research.

7. TAPE/VIDEO RECORDER- is a qualitative data gathering method that enables the researcher to record the voices and scenarios during the data gathering activities. It replaces the researcher’s handwritten notes while conducting the interview or focus group discussions.

No recording of interview or focus group discussion will happen without the consent of the participants.

1. CONTENT ANALYSIS- is the study of recorded information which has been documented in texts, media, or physical items. It is used to make replicable and valid inferences by interpreting and coding textual materials (e.g., documents and communication artifacts), graphics, pictures, audio, video, paintings, etc.)