Appendix 3.3.7: Observations1 Unlike the information ... - nastad

Appendix 3.3.7: Observations1 Unlike the information collected from key informant or focus group discussions, observation relies solely on what is seen by the researcher (Schensul et al.. 1999; Trotter et al. 2001). Observations of the clientele at potential Key Population venues, as well as the venue layout, will provide important information on venue attendance, the characteristics of venue attendees, and the logistics and safety of conducting surveillance activities at the venue. Observations for the Formative Assessment can be done as part of venue identification activities using the TLS methodology, or to build your knowledge about the community in general. Conducting observations allows the researcher to build on information gathered from interviews with key informants or from focus group interviews. For example, if conversations with key informants indicated that the Key Population tends to frequent a particular bar, the field staff team may conduct observations there to establish the timing of attendance (time of the day, day of the week, etc.). Stimson has identified eight aspects of observations that are important to keep in mind (Stimson et al., 2003). These are summarized in Table 1 below: Table 1. Eight Aspects of Observation Settings

Where does the observation take place? When? What is the physical layout? What objects are present?

People

Who is present? What type of person are they? How old are they? Why are they there?

Activities

What is going on? What are the people doing?

Signs

Are there any clues that provide evidence about meanings and behaviors?

Events

Is this a regular occurrence, or is it a special event such as a meeting or a disagreement?

Times

In what order do things happen? Is there a reason for this?

Goals

What are the people trying to accomplish?

Networks

How do the people present know one another? Is there relationship social or organized on a commercial basis? Does the relationship change over time?

1

Adapted from U.S. CDC’s NCHHSTP/DHAP/BCSB: National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System MSM3 Formative Research Guidelines; Version date: January 20, 2011