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