QUALITATIVE DATA MANAGEMENT IN THE FIELD

In qualitative studies, we mostly deal with four types of data: 1) Field notes, 2) Expanded notes, 3) Audio files, and 4) Transcripts. Below is what we train our mentees on how to manage each type of data. The first three data sources are dealt with while in the field and these are the focus of this post. We will share in a separate post, how we train our mentees to conduct transcriptions/translations of recorded interview audios.

I: FIELD NOTES

These are notes taken during the IDI/FGD or during activities observation i.e., when one is conducting an IDI/FGD. They are usually written as summary points so as to capture as much information as possible. Below are tips for taking notes during the IDI/FGD.

1. Prioritize capturing all the main topics (as summary points) than details of a few topics.
2. Write in participants own words and avoid interpreting in your own meaning.
3. Try to capture interesting phrases whenever possible to serve as quotes.
4. Take notes on body language, tone of voice, or any other clues that adds to the meaning of the interview.

This info may give important insight into the meaning of the interview and cannot be captured in an audio recording.

5. Maintain a balance between taking notes and eye contact (usually very tricky).

6. After each IDI/FGD or at the end of the day, make summary notes on the following:

• How the IDI/FGD went.
• Your impression of the participants e.g. were they difficult? Talkative? Cooperative? Had enough time to cover all questions? Etc.
• Based on discussions, advise whether a question should be added to the guide i.e. whether there was something else you wish you had asked the respondents?

?II: EXPANDED NOTES

• The summary should be followed by expanded notes.
• Expanded notes should be written as soon as possible, preferably on the same day of the interview.
• Field notes are expanded to bring more meaningful statements from summaries written in the field.
• The expanded notes should be written with caution not to alter the meaning of the summary notes written during the interview i.e. Don’t interpret but just expand.

?III: AUDIO FILES

• Ideally, one should tape-record all the interviews.

Audio recording minimizes loss of information but also allows the full attention of the interviewer.

• Interviewee must give consent to being recorded.?
• Be sure the recorder is working ALL THE TIME during the interview by checking it now and then,
• Bring extra batteries and download recordings every day.
• If it's important to get down the following information on each audio: interviewer name, date, interview location, respondent category, and time of starting the interview, etc.
• Spell them out loud immediately after turning on the recorder and before starting the interview:

Example:

English: “My name is XXX, today on 22nd May 2018, I am at makambako health centre conducting an interview with the CTC manager. Now it is 1.15pm”

Swahili: “Jina langu ni XXX, leo tarehe 22.May 2018, nipo kituo cha afya makambako na ninafanya mahojiano na manager wa huduma za CTC . Hivi sasa ni saa saba na robo”.

?IV: TRANSCRIPTS

These are detailed notes from audio recordings. We will share a dedicated article on transcriptions and translations of audio interview materials