Select and Train a Field Research Team and Collect Data (Step 7)

Abstract

Before beginning data collection in disaster areas, extensive preparations must be made; economical use of time and resources are prime considerations. These may be based on the scout team’s report described in Chapter 10. One member of the evaluation team assumes major responsibility for those preparations and is designated team leader or field research coordinator. The team leader insures optimal use of time spent in the field and adequate preparation of the research team and the community for the research visit. Training all members of the data collection team in the use of all data collection instruments, and in the field protocol, is an essential step in the process. The reliability and validity of the data collected are a function of the ability of the data collectors to properly use the instruments. Often the data required are culturally sensitive. Cultural factors are important confounders in data collection. All data collectors must be familiarized with key aspects of the culture of the area in which they will work; persons from within the disaster region must be incorporated into the research design process, the preparation of the data collection instruments, and in the data collection process itself, as these individuals can assist the ‘out of country’ team members identify and negotiate cultural barriers and sensitivities that could impede the research. This is facilitated by conducting an initial scout survey of the disaster zone and by using a multinational team in the design of research instruments and in the implementation of the evaluation study.