Training Manual
Supervisors:
Adam Papendieck 504-473-1033
Jeff Coates 504-756-9818
Objective
The data collection activity is planned as a three-day “weekend-sweep” of Hoffman Triangle. It will be a rapid census, and will collect priority information on:
Total population and occupancy rate.
Size of vulnerable populations, including children, single female mothers and the elderly.
Select household demographics.
Utilization of existing services and service gaps
Potential locations for a s[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:26:00 2007
]S[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:26:00 2007
]afe haven/community center[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:26:00 2007
] and service delivery.
Each surveyor will have a partner. You should stay with your partner at all times. You are not allowed[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:26:00 2007
]should never, ever[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:26:00 2007
] to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:26:00 2007
] be out of eye-site of each other. [Author ID0: at Fri Dec 13 12:45:52 1901
]
Each surveyor will be given a binder, and [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:46:00 2007 ]included in the binder are the following:
Household surveys,[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:27:00 2007 ] pre-addressed
Proxy matrix,[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:27:00 2007 ] pre-addressed
Proxy questions
Map of Hoffman Triangle
Surveyors will also be given $5 incentive cards to be given out only when a household survey is completed.
The responsibilities of the Interviewers are to:
Protect the Respondent
Always treat the [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:51:00 2007 ]respondent[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:51:00 2007 ] with respect[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:51:00 2007 ] and never argue or badger a [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:52:00 2007 ]respondent[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:52:00 2007 ].[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:52:00 2007 ][Author ID0: at Fri Dec 13 12:45:52 1901 ]
Obtain informed consent and ensure that participation is voluntary
Always treat respondents in a non-judgmental and supportive manner.
At all times, preserve the confidentiality of survey information and instruments.
Do not express any judgment or opinions about the information shared by participants.
Respect the respondent and handle emotional outbursts and/or difficult situations in the ways outlined in this manual.
End all interviews in a positive manner.
Adhere to all ethical considerations outlined in this manual.
Be aware of Safety and Security
Always keep your partner within eyesight[Author ID0: at Fri Dec 13 12:45:52 1901 ]
At no time should you enter the household[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007 ] [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:48:00 2007 ][Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007 ]
Police will have been notified of the survey, but if you are stopped and questioned, please call your supervisor [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:52:00 2007 ]immediately[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:53:00 2007 ].[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:52:00 2007 ][Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007 ]
Conduct fieldwork according to instructions given by the Field Supervisors[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007
]
Please Wear Tulane ID[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007
]
At no time[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007
] should you enter the household[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:28:00 2007
]
Wear comfortable, casual clothes and NO flashy jewelry. Remember, you'll be spending all day outside walking around. There's no need to dress up!
If at any time you feel your safety is threatened, politely end the interview, leave and call your field supervisor.
Surveying Steps
Using the pre assigned addresses on the Household Survey. Go to the first house and knock on the door and ask for the Head of Household or if he/she is not there ask to speak with someone over the age of 18 that lives at that residence.
It is important that the respondent understands what we are doing and why, this will reduce the refusal rates. BE Courteous and explain to them that this survey will help to implement needed services in this community and is not a[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:59:00 2007
] just a [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:59:00 2007
]study but information for community [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:59:00 2007
]action.
If the respondent is willing to be survey, have them initial the survey. Remember you must also write down the date and the beginning and ending time [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 15:00:00 2007
]of each survey done.
The household survey is made up of two sections. The first section is a social service needs assessment, and also collects [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 15:01:00 2007 ]some basic demographic information and possible service delivery points. The second section is the demographic matrix. The demographic matrix starts with the respondent as person number “1” under Person ID and all other household residents are identified in relation to him/her.
Following the household surveys ask the respondent the proxy survey about his or her neighbors. Be sure to fill out the proxy matrix for each address. If you do not know the address or the respondent does not know the address it is your responsibility to go to the home he/she is speaking about and get the correct address.
When you and your partner have completed the block, stop and go through all your materials and make sure everything is completed. This is a good time to mark each individual Household Survey with the correct occupancy status that was given to you from your proxies.
Survey Instruments
Household Survey
This survey collects information on resident[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:30:00 2007
]ce[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:30:00 2007
]s'[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:30:00 2007
] demographics and needs. This survey should be asked to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:43:00 2007
]administered to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:43:00 2007
] the Head of Household if all possible, but if he/she is not at home it can be asked to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:43:00 2007
]administered to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:43:00 2007
] any member of the household that is over the age of 18. This survey is made up of two separate parts. The first part is a basic questionnaire; please feel out the questionnaire appropriately. Remember to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:31:00 2007
]of[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:31:00 2007
] adhere to the prompt and unprompted format in some questions.
The second part of the household survey is a demographic matrix. The demographic matrix starts with the respondent as person number “1” under Person ID and all other household residents are identified in relation to him/her. We will go over the matrix in detail during training. But if you have any questions please ask Jeff or Adam[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:31:00 2007
]your supervisor[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:31:00 2007
]. This data is crucial to the study.
Proxy Survey and Proxy Matrix
This survey is to be asked[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:44:00 2007
]administered[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:44:00 2007
] to individuals who you meet on the street,[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:33:00 2007
]to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:33:00 2007
] [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:33:00 2007
]neighbors, or to[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:34:00 2007
] the respondents after the household survey is complete. You ask them the questions to the[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:34:00 2007
]should ask the respondent about each house on [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:34:00 2007
] respondent about each house on[Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:34:00 2007
] [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:44:00 2007
]the block. Using the proxy matrix you will fill in the answers in the appropriate box in accordance to [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:32:00 2007
]with [Author ID1: at Thu Nov 1 14:32:00 2007
]the addresses given.
Accurately collect the data
Ensure each questionnaire is properly completed, that all questions are asked and all responses are neatly and legibly recorded.
Read each question aloud exactly as it is written in the questionnaire.
Ensure that all answers are consistent and clarify contradictory answers
Probe for additional information when necessary.
Before turning the questionnaire page, scan the page to ensure that no questions or responses were skipped.
Check your questionnaire immediately after an interview, so that you can clear up any inconsistencies or problems while the respondent is still available.
To ensure quality control, before turning in your questionnaires, switch your questionnaires with a teammate and check one another's work.
Practice with friends prior to the survey day. Be comfortable enough with the survey so that you may move from question to question easily.
General Interviewer Techniques
The qualities of a good interviewer include the ability to:
Establish rapport with the interview subject in a short period of time
Communicate complex ideas effectively, directly and simply to others
Apply the research instrument in such a way that it sounds like a conversation
Listen to the respondent without being judgmental
Guide the respondent in the interview process without pushing him/her unnaturally or being rude by cutting him/her off or ignoring his/her answers.
Interviewing is more of an art than a science, requiring skill and, to a certain extent, innate talent. The objective of the training workshop is to enhance the natural skills and talents, through role-plays and pilot testing of instruments.
Beginning the interview
A respondent's first impression of you will strongly affect his/her willingness to cooperate with the survey. Therefore, it is very important that you approach each interview in a friendly and professional manner.
Establishing good rapport and staying neutral
A successful interview is founded on a good relationship between the interviewer and the respondent. If an interviewer seems bored, uninterested or hostile, the respondent is likely to behave in similar fashion. Try to show the respondent that you are a friendly and understanding person. Interviewers may have certain opinions about the respondents. During your time in the field, some respondents may engage in behavior that you do not approve of, or have attitudes you disagree with, such as pessimism about traditional authorities. Do not allow your words, tone of voice, or gestures to convey “judgment” of the respondent. Be careful to remain friendly but neutral. Although it may be difficult at times, do not allow anything in your words or manner to reflect surprise, criticism, approval or disapproval of the questions asked or the answers given.
If at any time during the interview you feel that your safety is threatened, or you feel unsure about what is happening around you, politely end the interview and report this to your field supervisor. You safety is our utmost concern.
If a respondent gives an ambiguous answer, never assume that you know what the respondent means by saying something like “Oh, I see, I suppose you mean …., is that right?” If you do, the respondent is very likely to think you are suggesting the “right” answer, and to agree, regardless of what they really feel or believe.
When you arrive at the household:
Introduction: Introduce yourself and ask to speak to the head of household.
Read: When you meet the head of household, read the introductory statement. And remember to tell them there is a $5 incentive card when they finish the survey.
Consent: Ask if they are willing to participate. If they agree, record that consent has
been provided by asking them to write their initials on the space provided. (If
writing is difficult for them, you can write the initials).
Observe & Record: If you notice anything unusual or anything that would be important and/or may affect the interview, write that information on the front of the survey. Notes like, “House has no furniture that I can see. Respondent seems a bit secretive. Could be a squatter.” will be helpful for the research team. If the respondent doesn't speak English, try to figure out what they do speak and we will try and send a different interviewer there who can communicate in that particular language.
Begin the interview: Always read each question completely. If they did not understand, re-read the question. Make every effort to ensure that the survey is conducted smoothly and with as few interruptions as possible.
Ending the interview
It is important to leave the respondent with the idea that you are grateful for his/her cooperation. Thank the respondent and mention that his/her co-operation has been most helpful and appreciated. Give them the packet of resource information.
Immediately look over the questionnaire to be sure it is complete. If answers have been skipped or are not clearly marked, follow up with the respondent before you proceed to the next interview.
Avoid showing the questions to the respondent
Do not show the questionnaire to the respondent, before or after the interview.
Recording responses
All entries in the questionnaire must be legible.
Record responses in the proper places.
Write all words clearly for others to read with ease.
If you have any problems obtaining the information required, make a note on the questionnaire explaining the problem. Remember the phrase: “when in doubt, write it down.”
If the respondent refuses to answer a question, mark the question and explain that beside the appropriate number on the questionnaire.
Be sure all answers are consistent. If any appear contradictory, ask the respondent to clarify his/her responses. Familiarizing yourself with the questionnaire as well as checking the survey at the end of each interview for consistency will help you in this process.
“Other” Responses
Many questions provide an answer called “OTHER.” This indicates that the respondent may give an answer that is not reflected in the options already provided. You are to first indicate the code (numerical) option for “Other”. In all of these cases, you are also instructed: “IF OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY_______________”. Make sure to clearly write down exactly what the respondent says and remember to write this response in CAPITAL letters. These responses will be coded separately at a later time.
Notes on who to interview:
It is important that you try to interview the householder, or that person who is the primary owner of the property or lease/rental agreement for the residence. When you get to the residence and knock on the door, ask the person who answers the door if the owner or person who signed the rental agreement for the residence is home. You should only interview someone who is knowledgeable about the primary householder and his/her family members.
Glossary of terms that may need explanation:
Currently living here--: this includes anyone who is currently sleeping most of the time at this residence (or in trailer at this residence). This would include people whose homes are not currently habitable, who have no other residence at the moment. It would NOT include visitors. It may take some work to understand who is currently living in the household and you might need to correct the total currently living at the residence after filling out the household matrix.
Slept here last night- this means anyone who slept at the residence last night including visitors and current residents.
Household: in this survey a household is defined as all of the individuals who shared a residence immediately before Katrina.
Householder: the individual who own is the primary signatory of the deed/title or lease to the residence.
Trailer installed - observe whether or not trailer is there, does not need to be open or functioning
Community centers - places where various services and recreation are offered
Householder - head of household
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