Instrument Development and Data Collection

This session is designed to describe a variety of qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, focus groups, and participatory action research.  We will address the most effective ways to facilitate focus groups and conduct interviews by detailing logistical issues and communication techniques.  We will equip participants with skills to determine the best physical settings and locations for data collection.  The value of field notes and memoing will be deduced. This session will highlight physical and verbal interactions with participants, the value of eye contact, and understanding body language.  Communication techniques that recognize when and how to probe and self-disclosure will be explored. Participants will learn how to combine other methods such as quantitative and spatial analysis with qualitative data collection methods.  This session will conclude with how to exit the study area and how to translate findings to practice and policy change.

Learning Objectives:

-Describe qualitative data collection and mixed method data collection.

-Illustrate effective physical and verbal communication techniques.

-Determine the ways to translate findings to practice and policy change.