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Survey Research and Qualitative Methods

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Services

Services of the Survey Research and Qualitative Methods Shared Resource include:

  • Survey and Study Design Consultation
  • Survey Data Collection Facility
  • Qualitative Data Collection Facility

 

Survey and Study Design Consultation

Services include consultation on:

  • choice and implications of various qualitative and quantitative data collection methods
  • survey development
  • sampling strategies for survey and qualitative research
  • quantitative and qualitative data collection management
  • sample size determination and recommendations for quantitative data analysis, in collaboration with Biometrics Shared Resource
  • qualitative data analysis strategies.

 

Survey Data Collection Facility

The Survey Design/Data Collection facility provides support for various methods of automated survey data collection including paper and electronic survey distribution (e.g., web, email, tablet PC). Studies that have been supported by the Shared Resource include chart audit studies, web based surveys and paper based surveys. Consultation is offered on all phases of instrument development, including question writing, layout and design of the instrument, pre-testing, and data entry.

Objectives of the Survey Data Collection Facility include:

  • Providing CINJ members with access to a service that will automate collection of survey information for a variety of research populations including patients, clinicians and community members;
  • Providing CINJ members with access to a powerful, high volume information capture system capable of processing thousands of paper forms per day with superior accuracy, speed and efficiency;
  • Collaborating with investigators on graphic design of survey instruments to ensure seamless automated processing of survey data;
  • Providing scanning services and training for processing survey data; and,
  • Compiling and providing electronic files (i.e., aggregate datasets and scanned copies of individual survey forms) for data analysis and archival storage.

TeleForm 10.2 and Snap Pro-Net 9 are two software applications currently used that enable the creation of electronic data capture forms (e.g., surveys). These forms can be used for web surveys, data collection using laptops/tablet PCs/PDFs or to create paper forms that are read by an optical scanner. Using an Investigator’s original questionnaires/surveys, a form proof is provided. After a review by the Investigator and testing of the form, any edits or changes are completed. When a final approval is made, the Investigator begins using the forms. For paper based forms, investigators submit them back to the Shared Resource for scanning/processing. For electronic forms that capture data via the web, pdf/email or laptop/tablet PC, data is processed on a rolling basis. After processing the data, TeleForm and/or Snap Pro-Net can automatically export the data into a variety of database formats (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Excel, CSV, Tab delimited) for statistical analyses. We work with investigators to determine an appropriate schedule for data transfer. At this point a database is returned to Investigators for their analyses.

 

Qualitative Data Collection Facility

This facility provides a resource to CINJ investigators using qualitative data (e.g., field notes, interviews, focus groups) to address research and process evaluation objectives. Consultations help investigators craft a plan with a tailored methodology designed to elicit key concepts and relationships. Consultation is offered on all phases of study design. Services include advice on methodological options, question guide development, data collection management, code development and data analysis. The Shared Resource uses ATLAS.ti software to support qualitative data analysis and several other relational database packages (e.g., MS ACCESS, FolioViews) to manage qualitative data.