Conducting a Participatory Situation Analysis of.pdf - Global HIV ...

If only one person will conduct the analysis, it is important
to review the data as they are collected. If not actually
collecting data, the Technical Lead must at least have
access to interim data to identify areas for clarification or
further probing.
Computer-Assisted Analysis
The level of detail anticipated, and to a lesser degree, the
number of people involved in analysis, will affect decisions
about using computers. Manual analysis is sufficient
when the goal is to map out broad categories of information
or when the volume of data is small. As the analysis
becomes more complex (i.e., examining the nuances of
language or comparing responses between a number of
subgroups) and as the volume of data increases, a computer
can greatly assist the analysis process. Again, if the
analysts themselves will not be keying in data or operating
analysis software programs, some thought must be given
to how the data will be moved from field notes to data
files to analysis procedures. Some software packages have
special features to assist a team approach.
A computer is not necessary for qualitative analysis, but
if used sensibly it makes information more accessible
and allows a flexible approach to analysis. It also is not
necessary to develop an electronic coding system or to
use a database-type software program to sort and count
this information. Many qualitative researchers still prefer
to work with written or typed notes with simple copying
and filing systems to gather together all responses to
a given question. To use the computer effectively, a data
analyst, computer programmer, and data clerk may be
needed.
Basic Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative analysis emphasizes how data fit together as a
whole, bringing together context and meaning. This and
the following section describe the approaches to analyzing
qualitative data. While the Technical Lead will handle the
details of analysis, it is important that the Situation
Data Analyst, Computer Programmer,
and Data Clerk Positions
It is recommended that several staff be hired for the
duration of the fieldwork and through completion of
the report.These individuals should have a broad
range of skills that will be helpful to the Technical
Lead.Together the data analyst, computer programmer,
and data clerk form a data management team
that must be able to:
• Help develop codes after reading interview and
focus group discussion notes.
• Code interview and focus group discussion data
into a computer-compatible format.
• Input the codes for each informant’s responses.
• Generate computerized lists using database software.
• Print out different kinds of sorted lists as
requested.
• Link and compare lists using relational database
techniques.
• Produce summaries as suggested by this Guide.
• Cut and paste interviews in a new order.
Choosing a Software Package for
Qualitative Data Analysis
The objectives of the situation analysis and the level
of analysis needed should dictate the choice of software.“Code-and-retrieve”
programs may be sufficient
for the level of analysis desired. Such software programs
were developed by qualitative researchers to
help the analyst divide text into segments or chunks,
attach codes to the chunks, and find and display all
instances of coded chunks (or combinations of coded
chunks). Examples of code-and-retrieve programs
include ATLAS/ti, HyperQual, Kwalitan, MAX, NUD-
IST, QUALPRO, and The Ethnograph.
• Secure data from unauthorized access.
Analysis Advisory Team have at least a basic understanding
of the process. The value of qualitative data and its
quality analysis often receive inadequate attention, especially
when it comes to budgeting. In part this is due to a
minimal understanding of what it takes to get a quality
analysis in line with situation analysis objectives.
One way to analyze qualitative data is to simply use topic
guide questions to group the data and then look for similarities
and differences. This approach may be particularly
appropriate when time or resources are too limited for
a more in-depth analysis or when the qualitative data
Conducting a Participatory Situation Analysis of
Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by HIV/AIDS
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