Appendix 3 Stage 2 topic guide
Topic guide
Scottish Executive - Ethnic Identity
Data Users
Aims of the project - Overall aim: To inform the development of a classification of ethnic identity which would be acceptable to individuals, whilst providing data users with an approach that meets their needs
- Examine the need for information on ethnic identity among data users
- Establish the different ways in which data is collected and used
- Examine the adequacy of current methods of classification, the need to change and the implications of changing these
- Explore the uses of single versus multiple questions on ethnicity
- Explore other ways of classifying data on ethnicity
- Examine ideas for consultation approaches about ethnic identity classification frameworks in the future
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1. INTRODUCTION
- About BMRB
- About the research
- Commissioned by the Scottish Executive to examine issues relating to ethnic identity and how people see themselves
- Two parts - asking data providers how they would like to be classified, while asking data users what their needs are in terms of producing usable data
- Aim is to develop classification that both data providers and users are happy with
- Length of interview - 60 minutes
- Confidentiality
- Tape Recording - tapes not available to the Scottish Executive but only to the research team
(Note: please record instances where the respondent has difficulty answering the question, finds it difficult to provide precise information or is reluctant to disclose information.)
2. GENERAL BACKGROUND
- Their organisation
- Length of time they have been working there
- Their role - what responsibilities
- Responsibilities as regards data (briefly)
- Different communities served by the organisation
3. USE MADE OF DATA
- How is data on ethnicity currently collected
- Who is responsible for it
- Method of classification
- Ways in which they use data on ethnicity
- What do they use it for
- Who uses it
- Who sees the data
- Reasons for collecting data on ethnicity
- Probe: collect to comply, collect for specific need (probe whether organisational or general), collect in case needed in future, other reasons
4. CURRENT CLASSIFICATIONS
- Classifications they use (can they show us)
- How were these developed ( e.g. by the organisation, CRE/Census classification)
- (If developed by the organisation) Can they tell us about the process they used for developing their classifications
- Extent to which these classifications have changed during their experience, reasons for these changes
- What do they believe the strengths of this classification are
- What do they believe the weaknesses of this classification are
- What difference does collecting data in this way make to them
- What are their experiences of the "other" category
- Who do they find comes under this category
- Extent to which this data is analysed
- Extent to which this data is used (purpose)
- Can they think of any ways in which their current classification could be improved
- (If they can) Reasons why they have not implemented these improvements
- What do their data providers think about these classifications
5. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATIONS
- Show different methods of classification (including the current Census classification)
- For each method:
- What are the strengths of collecting data like this
- What are the weaknesses of collecting data like this
- How would it affect their organisation if it were to become compulsory to collect data like this (as opposed to changing at all)
- Changes they would make
6. IDEAL METHOD OF CLASSIFYING DATA PROVIDERS
- If they were designing their ideal method of classification, what would it be (give respondent a blank sheet of paper and pen and get them to talk through each category, why they have chosen to categorise in this way.
- Explore inconsistencies, e.g. geographical - "Asian" - categories vs. colour-based - "Black" - categories)
- Attitude to single vs. multiple questions on ethnicity.
- Impact on their organisation of collecting data in this way
- Impact on data providers of collecting data in this way
7. VIEWS ON CHANGE
- Views on need for change - extent to which they feel it is necessary
- What are the implications of changing their methods of collecting data on ethnicity
- Probe on:
- Cost
- Staff time/attitude
- Consistency of records/data
- Comparability of records/data
- Usability of data for their purposes ( i.e. would it make the data more/less usable, would it allow them to group people into meaningful groups)
- Likely attitude of data users/providers to change ( at all, rather than to a specific method of categorisation)
8. CONSULTATION PROCESS
- Show leaflet
- Were they aware that a consultation process was underway
- What do they think about the fact that there is a consultation process underway
- Views on approach
- How would they suggest people are asked about their ethnic identity
9. ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS / QUESTIONS FOR THE RESEARCHER
THANK AND CLOSE