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

. Observations Interviews Discussions. Three Main Methods. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Exercise 3 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments Group Task In 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

. Observations Interviews Discussions Secondary Data/. Three Main Methods. Quantitative Data 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.. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments