Appendix ii: Methodology
The pilot evaluation comprised a series of broadly sequential phases of qualitative research Data collection commenced November 2007 and concluded in June 2008. Among them, the evaluation team members shared a set of generic research experiences and specialist competences. To capitalize on the team's collective skills base, every attempt was made to align specialisms with data collection on corresponding components of the pilot. While the joint principal investigators exercised overall responsibility for the evaluation, day-to-day management of the project fell within the remit of the Research Fellow. The team conferred regularly to review progress, analyse the data and to discuss emerging themes. The wealth of data generated by the range of methods permitted cross-checking, consistency, correction and validation of information.
Ethical clearance for the evaluation was obtained from the Faculty of Education, University of Glasgow (see p. xx). Prior to the commencement of data collection, the Research Fellow and one of the principal investigators conducted briefing sessions with the coaches and the three cohorts of candidates. The methods were:
- Content Analysis: The evaluation team conducted a review of the background documentation pertinent to the FRH provided by the project manager ( FROG). 17 candidates provided individual PLPs which were analysed systematically. In addition, the candidates and coaches were invited to complete electronic journals. Except for 2 coaches and 3 candidates the majority did not take up this option. 2 other candidates provided hard copies of journal entries.
- Interviews: There were two rounds of 1:1 interviews with the candidates and coaches. In the first round, the candidates were interviewed face-to-face and in the second round over the telephone. Interviews were also conducted with 3 coaches and the coaches' coach, staff of the GTC, LAs, FROG members and others. The breakdown of categories and numbers of interviewees was:
Candidates: | Rd 1: 29; Rd 2: 28 | = 57 |
Coaches: | Rd 1: 4; Rd 2: 4 | = 8 |
FROG: | | = 2 |
Local Authorities: | | = 4 |
GTC: | Rd 1:2; Rd 2: 1 | = 3 |
External Moderator: | | = 1 |
Other: | | = 1 |
TOTAL: | | = 76 |
- Focus Groups: Four focus groups were conducted. 19 candidates, 3 coaches and the coaches' coach participated. The breakdown of categories and numbers of focus groups was:
Candidates: | 3 |
Coaches: | 1 |
TOTAL: | 4 |
- Field Observations: The evaluation team observed the final panel interviews at the GTC for the 14 candidates who submitted in May 2008. In addition, at least 1 member of the research team was also present at most FRH management meetings and FROG meetings held during the evaluation. Unfortunately, the timing of the evaluation period precluded team members' participation in FRH residentials and due to other commitments the team was unable to be present during assessors' field visits.
- Analysis of Candidates' Written Submissions: The portfolios of evidence and reflective commentaries submitted by the first 14 candidates for the final assessment were analysed by the research team in May 2008.
UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW
Faculty of Education
Ethics Committee For Non Clinical Research Involving Human Subjects
EAP2 NOTIFICATION OF ETHICS APPLICATION FORM APPROVAL
Application No. (Research Office use only) | E849 - 3 |
Period of Approval (Research Office use only) | 19/09/2007 to 01/07/2008 |
Date: 19 September 2007
Dear Peter
I am writing to advise you that your application for ethical approval, reference E849 for 'Evaluation of Flexible Routes to Headship Pilot' has been fully approved following your fulfilment of the required amendments.
You should retain this approval notification for future reference. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me and I will refer them to the Faculty's Ethics Committee.
Regards,
Terri Hume
Ethics and Research Secretary