The efficiency and effectiveness of utilizing diagrams in interviews: an assessment of participatory diagramming and graphic elicitation
2008

Using Diagrams in Interviews to Gather Data

Sample size: 64 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Umoquit Muriah J, Dobrow Mark J, Lemieux-Charles Louise, Ritvo Paul G, Urbach David R, Wodchis Walter P

Primary Institution: Cancer Care Ontario, University of Toronto, York University

Hypothesis

How do participatory diagramming and graphic elicitation methods affect data collection in interviews?

Conclusion

Both diagramming methods can enhance data collection in interviews, with each having unique strengths and weaknesses.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participatory diagramming was found to be efficient for collecting data in graphic form.
  • Graphic elicitation was preferred by most respondents and provided more detailed verbal responses.
  • Both methods can complement each other in qualitative research designs.

Takeaway

This study looked at two ways to use drawings in interviews to help people share their thoughts better. One way was for people to draw their own ideas, and the other was to use drawings made by researchers to help guide the conversation.

Methodology

Sixty-four key informant interviews were conducted with cancer care providers and administrators, using both participatory diagramming and graphic elicitation methods.

Potential Biases

Potential for bias in responses due to the nature of the diagramming methods used.

Limitations

The study did not include a control group to compare the effectiveness of conventional qualitative interviewing methods without diagramming.

Participant Demographics

Participants included medical oncologists, nurses, radiation therapists, and senior cancer system administrators from Ontario, Canada.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2288-8-53

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