1. Session 6: Interviewing, Document Analysis, and Observation

2. Objectives of Session Six Converting Focus Group Data to a Survey Discuss Basic Techniques for Document Analysis Observation Techniques Monday, Feb. 11 th –Formative Design Proposal Due –Data Assignment handout

3. Focus Group to Survey Was it difficult to translate your focus group findings into survey questions? Did you use some of the questions from your focus group guide? Did you rephrase questions based on the focus group? Did you add questions to discern an individual’s background, characteristics, or experiences?

4. Document Analysis Advantages –Unobtrusive –Information on program steps/stages Service receipt, timing, expenditures –Time trends and large sample sizes Potential sources –Attendance logs, sign-in and sign-out sheets, letters, case notes, legal documents Concerns about validity and reliability

5. Practical Considerations When Using Program Records Which records correspond to each of the different stages? What do the records indicate about different stages or clients? How are these records kept? Sampling and coding concerns

6. Document Analysis Exercise Which sections of the records or which questions are likely to produce the most accurate and reliable data? Which sections or questions might produce the most valid measures of client status, need, experiences, or characteristics? Can you identify dependent variables? Can you identify independent variables?

7. Observation Techniques Utility of method Way to gather information on program characteristics or implementation Think about your research questions in advance – develop a protocol that guides your observation activities Train observers, coders – ensure reliability Participant observation Subject reactivity

8. Readings for Next Time Trochim, Chapter 4 -- pp. 107-32 Kaplan et al., “The Effect of Data Collection Mode on Smoking Attitudes and Behavior in Young African-American and Latina Women” – in coursepack –Focus on design issues and findings, not logistic regressions