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Session 6: Interviewing, Document Analysis, and Observation. 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.
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Objectives of Session Six • Converting Focus Group Data to a Survey • Discuss Basic Techniques for Document Analysis • Observation Techniques • Monday, Feb. 11th • Formative Design Proposal Due • Data Assignment handout
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?
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
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
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?
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
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