Hi,
I am trying to conduct a qualitative research and I was wondering what would be the best way to collect data while attending a conference or seminar. We do tend to meet up with important actors that could be important for our research at such event. However, considering time limitations (and of course the event being not a very liable place for having an interview) what would be the best way to gather much information in that situation? Any suggestions?
It depends very much on the quality of data you want to collect and also issues like the level of trust at the conference. Techniques require different levels of consent and raise different data protection issues. The following would be possible
- keeping your own contemporaneous diary e.g. with a voice activated recorder
- collecting emails for later correspondence or for later emailing of a survey using survey monkey
- undertaking brief focused interviews 5/10 minutes
- use of incentives to participate
- use of an iPad with simple survey - maybe mixed multiple choice and open field for respondents to complete there and then
- collecting SKYPE addresses/phone numbers for later interviews at a convenient time
- Setting up a focus group session in break periods with free refreshments
Success will very much depend on a respectful approach that rouses subjects/contacts interest and engages them - provision of information now and in the future to respondents so that they feel they are gaining and the issue is of interest is very important as well as being clear about your own credentials and approach
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Yes it is an excellent opportunity and we have done that in the past - we do the ethical consents before hand so those are done and we organise a venue and food and often send out the questions prior to the interview. Just set it up as you would a usual interview/focus group situation. There are always opportunities and time to do this at a meeting/conference/seminar but it requires good planning.
I'd say it all depends on your research topic! Don;'t jump straight to method without thinking about WHAT you want to find out and WHY. Then you can think about 'how'.
Make sure your important actors ( samples) would meet your selection criteria, which is important to trustworthiness of your results / findings.
it depends on your goal and the very kind of data that you want to achieve. but The easiest , if not comprehensive, way is get email some of them or use of Delphi technique to acquire necessary data by aid of their emails
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