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Designing The Researh Instrument
Designing The Researh Instrument
instrument
Designing the research
instrument
It is essential that the research
instrument to be employed in a
Focus Assessment Study is precisely
related to the research aims and
objectives. This in turn relates to the
output (report) of the project.
Designing the research instrument
too unstructured
may result in too many data that are irrelevant to
the study
Avoid:
Complex and technical language
Multiple questions
'What do you feel about the risks of sharing syringes now as
opposed to five years ago?‘
Leading questions
'Why is there so much prostitution around here?'
Should be: 'Is there any prostitution in this area?' or 'Tell me
about prostitution around here.'
Semi-structured
questionnaire
Interview themes
The list of themes of topics to be covered in a
themed interview should be as short as possible
whilst incorporating all the issues required by the
aims and objectives of the study.
Essential skills for
interviewers
2 An understanding of the relevant
research and drug-related issues
• Image management
4 Non-judgmental attitude
Essential skills for
interviewers
5 Ability to observe verbal and non-verbal
cues
What do you do when the interviewee is
bored?
tired?
angry?
upset?
embarrassed?
Essential skills for
interviewers
6 Ability to follow up responses with a
view to exploring emerging issues
whilst adhering to the research
instrument
Introduction
• Purpose
• Confidentiality
• Anonymity
• Agreement for tape recording /
purpose of note-taker
• Ground rules
Moderating focus groups
1 hour tape =
up to 6 hours to transcribe fully
up to 20 A4 sheets of paper in
size 12 font
Transcribing tape
recordings
Can include:
• systematic
• secure