Data Collection and Storage Tools (and effective note-taking techniques) Session 1.4 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Session Objectives By the end of this session Participants are expected to: Identify data collection and storage tools used in qualitative assessments Describe the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative data collection and storage tools Articulate when to use the various tools Demonstrate an understanding of effective note-taking techniques Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Main Tools for Qualitative Data Collection and Storage Electronic Devices Audio recording Photographs Video recording Written Tools Written notes Diagrams and drawings Topical Outline Interview/ discussion guides Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

TopicSub-Topic or questionFeedback from Interview, Observation, Discussion Availability of FoodIn market. From production. From assistance Perceptions of availability Storage Access to FoodPhysical access Household’s source of income Prices Diversity of food intake Quantities Utilization of FoodHealth status of HH Cooking practices Foods usually eaten Source of protein Coping strategiesWhat have you done to try to maintain consumption? ForecastSix months One year Need for assistanceImmediate --- Long term Example of a Topical Outline This is the Topic Use this for more specific info Notes here Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Example of a Checklist/Interview Guidelines Interview Objective: To better understand vulnerable households’ coping strategies. Household Profile: Households whose members have lost their jobs as a result of the last crisis. Guiding Questions: Household Size? Number of HH members in the Working Age? Number of HH currently employed? Source of income? Last time unemployed persons held a job? Have they been working for a job since? How is the family coping? How do you manage to put food on the table? etc….. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Tool Type of assessment Audio recordings PhotosTopical Outlines Guides/ Checklists Written Notes Interviews Observations Discussions Yes No Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments When are the Different Tools Used?

Tool Type of assessment Audio recordings PhotosTopical Outlines Guides/ Checklists Written Notes InterviewsSometimesRarelyAlways ObservationsRarelyOftenSometimesAlways DiscussionsSometimes Always Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Audio recording Photographs Written notes Topical Outlines Interview/Discussion Guides What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of ………? Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

The main data collection and storage tool, and the one most commonly used and referred to in FSN assessments, is the written notes of the assessment team members.

Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments What are the different forms of written notes for documenting observations, interviews, and discussions? 1)Responses written on topical outlines/ question guides 2)Field Notes (taken on notebooks) 3)Transcripts of interviews and discussions 4)Expanded Notes

Who is Responsible for Note-Taking ObservationInterviewDiscussion Field NotesObserver Interviewer (sometimes Note-Taker) Moderator (short) Note-Taker (extensive) TranscriptionN/ATBD Expanded Notes ObserverInterviewer and Note-Taker Moderator and Note-Taker Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Effective Note-Taking Tips Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments Understand your objectives and information needs Create a form on which to take notes Take notes strategically Use short hand In Discussions, record participant identifiers

Effective Note-Taking Tips Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments Record Questions and Responses (interviews and discussions) Distinguish between your own and participants comments Cover a range of observations Do not get side-tracked (focus on what your information needs)

Expanding Notes Involves…. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments Scheduling time to expand your notes (within 24 hours of taking field notes) Expanding your short hand into sentences Composing a descriptive narrative from your field notes and other data collection tools (tape, transcripts, etc…) Identifying questions for follow-up Reviewing and editing your final notes

Note-Taking also Involves “Memoing” “Memoing” is a simple process for recording your analytical thoughts and ideas as they evolve throughout the study. They can be extensive marginal notes and comments. But they can be brief. They are recorded independently from or following a team discussion. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Memoing - Example The living conditions of households visited seem to be getting quickly back to pre-crisis levels. Households having suffered direct damage of their housing face additional difficulties for repairs and extra expenses for utilities, but access to food –due to assistance- does not seem to be significantly affected. Market Observations suggest that staple foods are available in the market. However, the number of buyers seems to be quite low, hinting to market access problems. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Handout 5. Note-Taking Techniques (you may find this useful in preparing for the field work on Day 4)

Reflection on Day 1 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Thank you Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments