Planning and Conducting Data Collection – Semi- Structured Interviews Session 2.3 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Session Objectives After this session, participants should be able to: Describe the process of preparing a semi- structured interview. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using semi-structured interview techniques in qualitative food and nutrition security assessments. Conduct a semi-structured interview with a community or other group. Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Advantages of the Semi-Structured Interview? Provides quick, qualitative info, rough estimates of magnitude of crisis (what decision makers need to launch or modify an operation) Helps clarify problems and priorities of interviewees (rather than of interviewer) Flexible Descriptive: produces descriptive info useful for advocacy efforts Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Disadvantages of the Semi-Structured Interview? High degree of subjectivity, requires much interpretation and triangulation; biases will be present Non-representative data: interviewees may not be representative of actual population; therefore data cannot be extrapolated with any statistical validity Worst-case scenario: often a tendency to over- estimate impact Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Guiding Principles: semi-structured interviewing “Optimal ignorance” “Appropriate imprecision” Learning from, with the people Triangulation (for validity and reliability) Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Interviewing tips… No leading questions - allow them to tell their story No close-ended questions – they impede discussion Probe as needed for clearer response: – Repeat the question: this gives more time to think – Pause for the answer: a thoughtful nod or expectant look can show you want more – Repeat the reply: this can stimulate conversation. – Ask when, what, where, which, and how: these can provoke more detailed information. – Use neutral comments: Anything else? Why do you feel this way? Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Exercise 6 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments Group Task Three Initial Assessment teams, 3 members each Three community groups, 3 members each 15 minutes for teams to prepare semi-structured interview checklist (during which community group members will prepare roles) 15 minutes for interviews 45 minutes for debriefing 30 min for group work 45 minutes for debriefing

Debriefing Assessment teams: Did you accomplish your aims? Why do you think so? Community Groups: Were the teams effective? (Did they learn what was really going on?) Assessment teams: What worked well? What didn’t? What would you change? Community Groups: What do you think worked well? How did you feel during the interviews? Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Break 30 min Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments