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ANNEX 1: RESEARCH DESIGN
OVERVIEW
1.01 The research on which this scoping study was based comprised three distinct bodies of work, each of which is detailed and appraised in this annex.
MAPPING DATASETS
Approach
1.02 A mapping of datasets was undertaken to ascertain the availability of robust data that would provide contextual information that was pertinent to the CtOG programme.
KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS
Approach
1.03 Interviews were conducted with each of the ten Target Owners. Survey schedules are presented in Annexes 1 and 2. Some Target Owners were accompanied by data analysts in these interviews. These interviews sought to provide contextual information on the workings of CtOG at Target level and to generate insights that would shape the form of the evaluation framework and synthesis report.
Topic Guides
1.04 The topics and questions for interviews were informed by an appraisal of information gleaned from the CtOG website, discussions arising from an early project meeting with the Scottish Executive and scrutiny of the project brief.
1.05 The topic guides are provided in Annexes 1 and 2. Annex 1 presents the core schedule, common to all Target Owners; Annex 2 details the Target Owner specific issues that were explored through interview.
1.06 The interview schedules allowed for consideration of the full breadth of issues pertaining to the work of the Target Owner and the monitoring, evaluation and work programme for each Target.
1.07 The topic guides were used flexibly in accordance with key issues that emerged in the course of the interviews and by placing greater emphasis on issues that were more pertinent to the Target Owner.
Participant Profile and Recruitment
1.08 Recruitment for interviews was straightforward; access having been facilitated by the Scottish Executive.
1.09 Several Target Owners elected to invite an analyst to participate in the interview.
Field Practice and Ethics
1.10 The field researchers worked to the ethical guidelines of the British Sociological Association. Participants were assured that direct quotations would not be used without their explicit consent and that the research team would treat their contributions respectfully. Participation was based on informed consent from each participant.
1.11 Interviews were tape-recorded on consent and were preceded by a brief summary of the scope of the research and the interview ( Annex 5). Interviews took place in a Scottish Executive office, a location convenient to participants.
1.12 One member of the research team conducted each interview, five being led by Nicola Smith and five being led by John McKendrick.
1.13 At the end of each interview (and where time permitted) the interviewer presented an oral summary of the key findings to emerge over the course of the interview. Participants were given the opportunity to reflect on this summary. In practice, participants confirmed the interviewers' summary.
Analytical Approach
1.14 All interviews were transcribed in full and by professional clerical assistants; these transcripts were checked by Nicola Smith or John McKendrick. Nicola Smith and John McKendrick systematically analysed every transcript to provide consistency of focus across interviews. Interview transcripts were reviewed, a coding scheme of emergent key concepts was devised, and each transcript was re-reviewed in accordance with this scheme. Thematic summaries by theme were then collated across the interviews, i.e. pulling together all related comment into the one file for further review and analysis.
SUPPLEMENTARY DESKTOP RESEARCH
Function
1.15 Desk-top research was undertaken throughout the project to familiarise the research team with the policy environment within which CtOG operates.
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