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 ToolsWritten notesDiagrams and drawingsTopical OutlineInterview/ discussion guides

Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Topic Sub-Topic or question Feedback from Interview, Observation, Discussion

Availability of Food In market.From production.From assistancePerceptions of availabilityStorage

Access to Food Physical accessHousehold’s source of incomePricesDiversity of food intakeQuantities

Utilization of Food Health status of HHCooking practicesFoods usually eatenSource of protein

Coping strategies What have you done to try to maintain consumption?

Forecast Six monthsOne year

Need for assistance

Immediate --- Long term

Example of a Topical OutlineThis 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

Photos Topical Outlines

Guides/Checklists

Written Notes

Interviews

Observations

Discussions

Yes No

Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

When are the Different Tools Used?

When are the Different Tools Used?

Tool

Type of assessment

Audio recordings

Photos Topical Outlines

Guides/Checklists

Written Notes

Interviews Sometimes Rarely Always Always Always

Observations Rarely Often Sometimes Always Always

Discussions Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes Always 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

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

Observation Interview DiscussionField Notes Observer Interviewer

(sometimes Note-Taker)

Moderator (short)

Note-Taker (extensive)

Transcription N/A TBD TBD

Expanded Notes

Observer Interviewer 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

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 1Reflection on Day 1

Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Thank youThank you

Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments