OVERVIEW OF QUALITATIVE METHODS

Violet Kimani

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

MAANZONI

Objectives

Provide Overview of Methodology

Highlight distinction between Qualitative and Quantitative methods

List the various Methods

Qualitative methods

Qualitative research methods Developed in the social sciences to investigate

social and cultural phenomena Complement Quantitative methods Qualitative data sources include: observation,

FGDs, Key Informant interviews, In-depth interviews & the researcher’s impressions

Distinction between Qualitative and quantitative data

Descriptive Non-numeric Small numbers How , why questions Internal validity Low on intracultural

variation Contextual

understanding

Numeric Quantification/statistical

analysis Large numbers What Questions Replicable/

generalization External

validity/reliability High on intracultural

variation

Formulation of a research problem: Qualitative Approach

The study is often exploratory- Knowing that a problem exists but knowing little about its characteristics or possible causes:

-Who is affected?-Why them?-How do the affected people behave?-What do they know, believe, think about

the problem?

Areas of Focus

Examples:

Why women use/not use contraceptivesWhy some women deliver in health

institutions & others at homeWhy some illness are ignoredExplanations for care seeking behaviour

Exploratory Approaches

Provides insight into a problem by investigating peoples views on the problem; interpretation and finding solutions

Local concepts of describing the problem Local perception of causation & treatment Participatory research- engage the community Move from known to unknown Shared decision making processes

Data Collection- Qualitative Approaches

Discussions/Participatory Engage the researcher moreFormat- unstructured instruments/Guides

Types of Qualitative approaches

Key Informant InterviewsIn-depth InterviewsFocus Group DiscussionsObservationsNarratives:- reported often verbatim as

case studiesVisuals

Who is a Key Informant?

An “informed”/Expert person (DMS, MOH, PHO, Nutritionist, programme manager, Community leader etc) on the subject

Based on training, status in the community and level of exposure to community issues/concerns

Provide expert opinion Provides an overview of the issue at hand -

the magnitude of the problem

Key informant interview

Prepare a detailed guide- covering the broad issues of the study

Adjust according to level & position of the informant in the organization or project

Tentative conclusions & or recommendations and what needs to be done in terms of cost, feasibility.

Why Key Informant interviews?

Knowledgeable and have an objective eye for the communities/organizations they represent

Fast hand detailed information used to corroborate with other qualitative and quantitative approaches

Factual e.g. policy issues

In-depth Interview (IDI)

Collection of detailed information from an individual, client, patient

A detailed guide is prepared to elicit required data more detailed

Conducted one to oneAlso referred to as Semi structured

Interviews (SSI)

Participants in-depth interviews

A person representing the problem or affected by the problem, e.g.

Expectant mother- experience with a given service

Caregiver(s)- skills and working environment- what is the experience and what needs to be done

In-depth interview quite close to case narrativesNarrative is factual personal story/evidence

information

Focus Group Discussions

Homogenous group e.g.

(ANC mothers; Orphans; HIV Clients; Youth etc. desegregated by gender & age)

Common problem for discussionParticipants 6-10 in numberIdeal time 60- 90 minutesModerator and note taker

Areas covered/applied

Provision and use of health servicesExperience with the services- quality of

careAccess to health servicesBarriers to service utilizationWhat is to be done to improve servicesWhat barriers can be removed & by who

A narrative

Involves an individual participant Performs well for patient with chronic condition May refer to livelihoods (poverty assessment-

Kwale) Purpose is to enlist participation of the client Information is experiential and incisive Sometimes provokes deep emotions

Narratives

A lead statement is adequate:What has been your experience with this illness? Examples:

Patient in terminal stages of caWidow(er) living with HIVMarried woman experiencing

infertilityOrphan and OVC

Observation

Observation is a primary method of data collection.

It can be part of qualitative as well as quantitative research ( i.e. lab experiments)

Researcher may or may not have direct contact or communication with people whose behaviour is being observed

Advantages of Qualitative Methods

Detailed & focused informationCan be documented verbatim ( with

permission)Ideas on programming and project

implementation (esp. from KII)Changes/adjustments in service delivery

Conclusion

Validation: Conduct several qualitative interviews on an issue using various tools

Qualitative methods Complement quantitative methods

Examples?