Qualitative Assessment Methods
Session 1.3
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Energizer Exercise: Fruit Salad
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Session Objectives
By the end of this session Participants will be able to: •Describe and compare the most common qualitative data collection methods;
•Know characteristics of each method of data collection; and,
•Demonstrate an understanding of when to use the different qualitative methods.
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
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Observations
Interviews
Discussions
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Three Main Methods
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Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Exercise 3
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Group TaskIn your Fruit Salad groups and based on TGS#9 and
Handout No. 3, prepare a presentation of the method to which you are assigned, showing:
- What is the method (definition/description).- Variations (types) of the method.- Advantages and disadvantages of the method.- How is it better than the other methods?
40 min for group work
Observations: Overview
• Observation in the studied group's natural setting is a key aspect of qualitative assessments.
• Involves recording what is seen or heard first-hand by assessor.
• Can be structured, unstructured, short-term and long-term.
• Can be undertaken independently or in conjunction with other methods.
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Observations: Overview
• In FSN assessments, observations are usually short-term in nature (direct observations).
• Most common examples:– Community Transects– Market observations (availability, trade activity,
dynamics, etc…)– Quick drive/walk through communities affected by
natural disasters
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Observations: Advantages
• Data obtained from observations serve as a check against respondents’ subjective reporting
• Provide the assessor an opportunity to see and “feel” aspects that affect FNS first-hand
• Not resource intensive in most cases
• Can provide information previously unknown to assessors (and informants), e.g. poor hygiene conditions
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Observations: Disadvantages
• Not everything can be observed!!
• Selective and atypical observations may distort data
• Intrusive: the observed may adjust normal behavior/change normal practice
• Risk of missing important aspects
• Interpretation of observation may differ from one observer to another (misinterpretation)
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Interviews: Overview
• A purposeful conversation in which one person asks prepared questions (interviewer) and another answers them (respondent).
• Interviews can have one of three basic structures: - structured (closed interview style) - semi-structured (pre-determined topics and
probes)- unstructured (open interview style)
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Interviews: Overview
• Generate micro-level and macro-level information, depending on context and objective and level of “probing”. They can also generate quantiative information.
• Can be conducted with a group (no more than 3) or individually
• Differ from “Discussions” in the depth of information/focus they provide
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Interviews: Advantages
• Elicits in-depth responses which facilitate a deeper understanding.
• Generally easier and more comfortable for respondent, especially if what is sought is personal opinions or impressions.
• Probing and exploration are more readily possible than in other methods
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Interviews: Disadvantages
• Time and resource intensive
• Require a high level of expertise to facilitate and report
• Interviewee bias is likely
• Volume of information may be difficult to analyze
• Interviewees may be reticent to be forthcoming with information
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Discussions: Overview
• Primary method in FNS Assessments
• Responses gathered are generally wider/broader than those gathered through interviews
• Two types of discussions:– Community Discussions– Focus Group Discussions
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Discussions: Advantages
• Flexibility in terms of format
• People are able to build on one another's responses
• Provide an opportunity to involve people in data analysis
• Participants can act as checks and balances on one another - identifying factual errors or extreme views
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Discussions: Disadvantages
• In certain cases, hard to assemble
• Require high level of expertise to moderate
• Possible conformance, censoring, conflict avoidance, or other unintended outcomes of the group process
• Opinions may not be representative if participant selection is not carefully checked
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
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Observations
Interviews
Discussions
Secondary Data/
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Three Main Methods
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QuantitativeData
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Which Method is Most Useful to Me?(flexible, meaningful, manageable)
• What is the topic? Is it a very sensitive subject? Is confidentiality particularly important? More/varied views
• What is your timeline? Focus groups-more people at one time but can be hard to schedule
• How large is the population? Focus groups-more people at one time
• Do you have help? Focus groups-need a note taker
• Do you have a budget? Time?Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Always remember ……..
• “Unstructured” ≠ Unplanned. In fact, the more unstructured the method, the more planning is needed.
• Cross-check, verify, and triangulate your data with various sources (we will talk about this more later).
• Make sure to discuss your initial findings and see how you can strengthen your analysis later.
• Always consider what data you are collecting and for what purpose. Not everything you collect is always useful.
• Underpin your data collection by your objectives.
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Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments
Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments