Data Collection and Storage Tools (and effective note-taking techniques)

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

Use this for more specific info Notes here Example of a Topical Outline This is the Topic 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

When are the Different Tools Used? Yes No Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

When are the Different Tools Used? Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of ………? • Audio recording • Photographs • Written notes • Topical Outlines • Interview/Discussion Guides 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? Responses written on topical outlines/ question guides Field Notes (taken on notebooks) Transcripts of interviews and discussions Expanded Notes Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Who is Responsible for Note-Taking Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Effective Note-Taking Tips • 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 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Effective Note-Taking Tips • 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) Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Expanding Notes Involves…. • 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 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

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) Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Reflection on Day 1 Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Thank you Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments

Data Collection and Storage Tools (and effective note-taking techniques)