Development of test instruments
Includes information about:
Methods of collecting information
Interview techniques and tools
Observation: concept and observation checklist
2. Contents
Development of test instruments
Methods of collecting information
Interview techniques and tools
Observation: concept and observation checklist
Secondary data analysis
2Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
3. Field Techniques: Concept
Techniques involved in epidemiological
field investigations
Broad array of methods used to
• characterize a disease/health conditions and
events
• describe its distribution and determinants
based on data and analysis of samples
collected in the field.
3Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
4. Methods of collecting information
• Line listing
• Verbal autopsy
• Interview
• Observation
• Focus group discussion (FGD)
• In-depth interview (IDI)
• Key informant interview (KII)
4Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
5. Methods: Line listing
Provides organized information about multiples cases in a
single sheet
In a line listing, each column represents an important
variable, such as name or identification number, age, sex,
case classification, etc., while each row represents a
different case.
Merits
- Can be quickly reviewed and updated
- Quick to administer than individual questionnaire and
useful for field investigations
- Allows for characterization of an outbreak (epidemic
curve)
5Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
8. Verbal autopsy
Field technique to determine the probable cause of death
in case where there was no medical record.
• Maternal death, perinatal death…...
Primary caregiver (family member) are interviewed to
explore for example “signs and symptoms noted during
the final illness”, history of pregnancy……..
Other family members are allowed to answer verbal
autopsy questions
Recall period of less than one year is preferred.
8Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
9. Interview
One to one conversation where questions are asked and
answers are given
In field investigations, interview may involve asking
questions to
• Patients/Clients
• Caretakers/ parents
• Health service provider
• Key informants
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11. Structured Interview
Formal interview technique
The questions are asked in a set / standardized
order
Responses are always predetermined
Interviewer will not deviate from the interview
schedule or probe beyond the answers received
Based on structured, closed-ended questions.
11Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
12. Structured Interview
Strengths
• Use of fixed questions, easy to replicate
• Easy to test for reliability
• Quick to conduct- many interviews in small time
Limitations
• Not flexible
• Lack sufficient details
12Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
13. Unstructured Interview
“Discovery interview” technique
Guided conversation/ informal interview
Based on open-ended questions
Asked in any order
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14. Unstructured Interview
Strengths
• Higher flexibility: questions can be adapted or changed
based on respondent’s answer
• Helps to develop a real sense of a person’s
understanding of a situation
Limitations
• Time consuming
• Certain interviewing skills are essential: establishing
rapport, knowing when to probe….
14Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
15. Structured vs Unstructured Interview
Structured interview Unstructured interview
Meaning Questions to be asked
are determined in
advance
Questions to be asked
are spontaneous
Information desired Quantitative Qualitative
Types of questions
used
Close- ended Open-ended
Application To validate results To explore new details,
in-depth perspective on
a particular topic
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16. Interview tool
Questionnaire
A tool consisting of a series of questions and other
prompts for the purpose of gathering epidemiologic
information from respondents (patients/ caregivers/health
care providers).
Types
• Interviewer administered questionnaire
• Self-administered questionnaire
• Telephone based questionnaire
• Mailed questionnaire
16Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
17. Qualities of good questionnaire
Limited number of questions
Simple: short and clear questions, no
mathematical questions
Proper order of questions: division into logical
sections
No undesirable questions (offensive/double
barreled/ suggestive questions)
Non-controversial (impartial)
Clear instructions
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18. Developing test instrument: Questionnaire
1. Identifying purpose of field investigation
2. Identify interview methods and relevant questions
Consider what kind of data will best serve the information
need
Develop a series of well-defined questions to elicit the
required information to address the purpose
For quantitative information, questionnaire may include
• Basic quantity, information or categorical questions
• Forced choice yes/no questions
• Multiple choice questions
• A scale or ranking
For qualitative information, open ended questions are
included
18Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
19. Developing test instrument: Questionnaire
3. Sequencing of questions
Arrange the questions in a logical sequence
General rule: broadest to narrow and least sensitive
to more sensitive
Use filter or skipping questions as applicable
4. Length of questionnaire
Keep the length to minimum in terms of time to
respond
For long questionnaires, use heading and transition
statements
19Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
20. Developing test instrument: Questionnaire
5. Language and phrasing
Use culturally appropriate language
Use precise questions
Phrasing questions in the positive way
Avoid leading questions
Do you wash hands with a soap after going to toilet?
Avoid double barreled questions
How often and how much time do you spend on each visit to a
HF?
Avoid sensitive questions
Will you take a dowry when you get married?
Do you think most Nepalese men would take dowry when they get
married? √
20Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
21. Developing test instrument: Questionnaire
6. Presentation and layout
Clear headings
Clearly separated questions and answers
Sufficient spacing
Formal fonts
Well organized margins
Predetermined coding
6. Pretesting and revision
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24. Development of in-depth interview guide
Develop list of questions to be explored in-depth during
the interview
Ideally, there should be no more than 15 main questions
to guide the interview
Probes should be included where helpful
• Can you elaborate on this?
• Would you give me an example?
Interview questions should be open-ended rather than
closed-ended.
• Do you know about the FP services provided by this HF?
• Please describe about the FP services provided at this HF √
24Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
26. Observation
Field investigation technique to collect epidemiologic
information by watching behavior, events or noting
personal characteristics in their natural setting.
May be overt or covert
May be direct or indirect
When to use observation
• When trying to understand an ongoing situation or event
• When you are gathering data on individual behaviors
• When it is necessary to know about a physical setting
• When data collection from individual is not a realistic opinion
26Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
27. Type of Observation
Structured, semi-structured and unstructured
observation
Participant and non-participant observation
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28. Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
• Interviews during emergency/outbreak may not always be a
feasible option. Observation can collect data when and when
an event or activity is occurring
• Direct insights into how people are behaving and interacting
• Does not rely on people’s willingness or ability to provide
information
Limitations
• Susceptible to observer bias
• Susceptible to ‘hawthrone effect’
• Expensive and time consuming
28Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire
29. Observation tool: Checklist
List of things that an observer is going to look at
The presence or absence of each item may be indicated
by checking “Yes” or “No” or multipoint scale
Ensures more complete considerations of all aspects of
the object, act or task
29Compiled by: Prabesh Ghimire