Chapter Four: Methodology
Overview
4.1 This chapter gives a brief overview of the methods used to undertake the research covered by this report. Full details are provided in Annex 2.
Background
Research Phases
4.2 The research study involved two discrete phases, each of which was sub-divided into two stages.
4.3 Phase One investigated TICS provision.
- Stage 1 audited TICS provision currently available to public sector bodies
- Stage 2 audited TICS provision currently requested by public sector bodies
4.4 Phase Two collected more detailed information on the practice of TICS provision within public sector bodies in Scotland.
- Stage 1 gathered information from TICS providers
- Stage 2 gathered information from public sector bodies
Timescale
4.5 Data was collected between February and December 2004.
Strategy for the Collection of Data
Phase One
4.6 The survey was conducted by means of telephone interviews. These were partly structured and partly semi-structured to allow more flexibility in the style of response and to ensure comparability of results without excluding the possibility of obtaining additional qualitative data.
Phase Two
4.7 The study was conducted by means of qualitative, in-depth, face to face semi-structured interviews in order to access deeper layers of information.
Level of Study within Organisations
4.8 It was important to collect information within public sector bodies at grassroots level and at policy level but trying to address both these levels simultaneously could lead to a lack of cohesion in the findings. To alleviate this concern, Phase One: Stage Two telephone interviews ( PSB) concentrated on the collection of information at grassroots ( i.e. practitioner) level. Interviews took place with people directly involved with the public, who might themselves have been involved in interpreter-facilitated meetings or required to organise translation or communication support.
4.9 Phase Two: Stage Two face to face interviews ( PSB) aimed to collect information at the level within organisations where policy is developed.
Summary
4.10 Chapter Four gives a short introduction to the methods used to undertake the research in this report. Please refer to Annex 2 for more details.