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

Break30 min

Qualitative Approaches for FS Assessments