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CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE

Approach to the Study

Research among Intermediary Groups

2.1 A quantitative telephone methodology was employed to access the views of intermediary groups. Quotas were set on six specified subgroups of intermediaries (secondary schools, community/voluntary organisations, Learndirect Scotland branded learning centres, colleges/ universities, formal IAG providers and broader advisory groups).

2.2 The sampling frame for all intermediary groups (with the exception of voluntary organisations) was provided by the Scottish Executive from the lists of organisations to whom information had previously been provided. The sample frame for drawing sample for the voluntary organisations was sourced using internal databases held by George Street Research and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation's database of voluntary organisations, available on their website. These two sources of sample were then merged and de-duplicated. Quotas were placed on the number of interviews to be achieved within each sample sub-group, based largely on the total universe within each. Sample was then selected randomly within each sub-group to ensure a representative sample was included in the interviews conducted.

2.3 A total of 508 interviews were completed and table 2.1 provides an outline of the sample profile achieved.

Table 2.1
Sample Profile Achieved

Base: All respondents (508)

Research among Learners and Potential Learners

2.4 A qualitative methodology was employed to access the views of learners and potential learners among both the general public and within specific hard-to-reach groups. A combination of qualitative techniques was employed, comprising full and mini focus groups and in-depth interviews (paired/ triad interviews).

2.5 Learners were defined as those who were currently in some form of education and potential learners defined as those who were considering starting some form of educational course within the next 2 years.

2.6 A total of 12 groups were conducted and the profile of these is shown in table 2.2. For each group, a combination of different types of learner/potential learner were recruited including mature students, lone parents, those in higher education, those in further education, those attending alternative types of learning such as evening classes, distance learning or re-training. There was also mix in terms of gender at each group. Groups and interviews were conducted at various locations across Scotland in rural, urban and city locations.

Table 2.2
Profile of those attending focus groups and in-depth interviews

Queries Dealt with Each Month

2.7 At the beginning of the telephone interviews among intermediaries, all were asked to say how many queries on average their organisation dealt with each month. Some noted that there are peaks during the year when the number of queries is heavy in comparison to the rest of the year. As can be seen in table 2.3, there are some differences between sub-groups, with the highest level of average queries per month being noted by universities/colleges (147) and broader advisory groups (67). The lowest levels were for community/voluntary groups (4 per month on average) and secondary schools (19). In examining any differences between universities and colleges specifically, there were higher proportions of queries dealt with each month by universities than colleges (190 compared to 83).

Table 2.3
Average number of queries dealt with each month

Base: all respondents

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