Unique Methods: Qualitative Data Collection

Unique Methods: Qualitative Data Collection

Our office has been offering qualitative data collection services for 20+ years. Qualitative research is great because it allows for the capturing of information on feelings, beliefs, and experiences at a level of detail that is typically unmatched by quantitative research.

Our Qualitative data team has been expertly trained by Richard Krueger and Mary Ann Casey, who are internationally recognized authorities on focus group interviewing. However, our office goes beyond just focus groups. We offer many different qualitative data collection approaches. Here are some examples of common qualitative data services we offer.

  • Focus Groups: Typically involves a semi-guided discussion with 8-12 participants. Focus groups are ideal for capturing details on both personal and group feelings, perceptions, and opinions. They allow for individuals to learn from one another, which can result in unique perspectives that might be missed by other forms of qualitative data collection.

  • Interviews: Often conducted 1-on-1, interviews work best if you are hoping to capture in-depth insights on a sensitive topic or do not want individual opinions swayed by others in a group. We offer structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviewing both in-person and by telephone.

  • Appreciative Inquiry (AI): While focus groups work well for problems that need solving, appreciative inquiry focuses on identifying and building on strengths and past achievements. It is a process for facilitating change in human systems such as organizations and communities. AI is typically structured in the same way as focus groups.

  • Listening Sessions: Much like a focus group, listening sessions include a small group of participants, a facilitator, and a note-taker. The participants are typically all from a community or group. Facilitators guide the discussion, but their primary role is to listen and maintain order. Several listening sessions are conducted until participants and the facilitator have a good understanding of the issue being discussed.

For more information about these methods and tools please contact our office at 612-626-0006 or [email protected].

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