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A Report on the Consultation Responses to Putting Our Communities First: A Strategy for tackling Anti- Social Behaviour
Chapter Three Description of the Analysis Methods
This chapter provides an account of the analysis methods used in the preparation of this report.
3.1 The analysis of the consultation responses has involved qualitative analysis, complimented by quantitative elements.
3.2 The Quantitative Analysis
3.2.1 The quantitative analysis aims to provide findings about the proportions of responses that were supportive, or otherwise, of the proposals set out in the consultation document. The analysis involved the construction of an electronic database. Items for discussion in the consultation document were broken down into discrete questions available for quantitative analysis. This created 42 questions (the number differs from the number in the consultation document due to a) some questions not been suitable for quantitative analysis b) some questions consisting of two parts, and being treated as separate questions. Each response was coded, where possible, giving an indication of which measures or options were supported. This electronic database was then interrogated using SPSS software, providing quantitative data about the proportions of respondents supporting or rejecting specific measures. In addition, responses were classified as being from individuals or types of organisation, and this was factored into the analysis.
3.2.2 A discussion of the quantitative findings, a full list of the questions and the coding frame, and tables showing results to specific questions classified by individual and organisation type is given in Appendices E, F and G. In order to ensure confidentiality, the identity of individual respondents are not revealed in the report, although organisations have been identified unless otherwise requested. All organisations were given equal weighting in this element of the analysis. Where we believe the responses of certain organisations to be particularly relevant, this is addressed in the qualitative discussion of each question. The findings of the quantitative analysis are presented in Appendices E-G.
3.2.3 It is important to emphasise that whilst this information provides an overview of basic levels of support for specific measures, it does not provide details about the reasons for respondent's views, nor the detailed issues they raise. It is also important to highlight that the construction of the quantitative data involves allocating a numerical classification to a response, and these broad classifications may offer a relatively crude approximation of the views offered by a respondent. These issues are fully addressed through the qualitative analysis presented in Chapters Seven to Ten.
3.3. The Qualitative Analysis
3.3.1 The qualitative analysis aims to provide details about the concerns and issues raised by the proposals and also the reasoning behind respondents' support or otherwise for the overall direction and basis of the consultation document and each of the specific proposals contained within it.
3.3.2 The qualitative analysis of the written responses to the consultation document involved a first stage of reading through every response. Secondly, a decision was taken about where in this report the material from a particular response should be placed. Most of the responses comprised one or more of three key elements:
- An account of experiencing anti-social behaviour and a general opinion about what should be done to address anti-social behaviour. This element is discussed in Chapters Four and Six
- Opinions about the general direction and implication of the proposals and the issues arising from them. This element is discussed in Chapter Six
- Detailed comments and opinions about the specific proposals and questions set out in the consultation document. This element is discussed in Chapters Seven to Ten.
3.3.3 The consultation generated a wealth of material. Whilst it has been possible to a) describe the general themes and issues emerging from the responses and b) to ensure as far as possible that every substantive point made about each proposal and question is recorded, it is obviously not possible to attribute every comment made by every respondent.
3.3.4 No differential weighting was given to the responses. That is to say that all responses were read and considered, and that comments and points from individuals have been included in this report along with the perceptions of large organisations. However, where we have judged that the perceptions of particular organisations are very relevant to a specific proposal we have highlighted this.
3.3.5 This analysis entails the qualitative judgement of the authors about what to include in this report. We have tried to minimise the effects of individual interpretation by seeking to record every substantive point raised. However, the prominence given to particular views, and the summarising of certain arguments is indeed subject to the judgement of the authors. The Scottish Executive will make copies of the original individual responses available on request, subject to any confidentiality considerations.
3.4 The Consultation Period
It should be noted that a number of responses expressed concern about the limited time period for the consultation. Those responses indicated that there had not been sufficient time to undertake the levels of consultation within their organisations or communities that would have been desirable.
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