Mini Supporting Statement B
Focus Groups with Family Caregivers
B.1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods
Focus groups will be used to collect information from family caregivers about their perspectives of NIA online materials and outreach methods to improve NIA OCPL’s support of family caregivers. Focus groups were selected based on the nature of the project and intended audience. Recommended methodologies (focus groups with a prefocus group questionnaire) and sample sizes are based on a review of the relevant literature, consultation with experts in the field, and a baseline of data gathered over many years of testing materials among professional, patient, and public audiences.
Communications testing, like this project, generally relies on qualitative methods and is not intended to yield results that are statistically projectable. Quota sampling will be used to select a convenience sample of individuals who meet certain qualifications that reflect characteristics typical of the target audience. Response rate is not applicable to quota sampling because this type of sampling results in a nonprobability sample which is not representative of the population. Respondents will be initially contacted by telephone, through the mail, or in-person at a senior center; over-recruiting by approximately 30% is done to compensate for non-respondents.
B.2. Information Collection Procedures/Limitations of the Study
NIA will collect all information in a manner that is consistent with the following principles:
Appropriate sample sizes will be determined for the focus group so that the burden is minimized while reliable estimates are produced.
Participation will be fully voluntary, and non-participation will have no impact on eligibility for, or receipt of, future services.
Collected information will be limited to that which is needed to assess NIA’s effectiveness at supporting the health information needs of family caregivers.
B.3.
Methods for Maximizing the Response Rate and Addressing Issues of
Nonresponse
Consistent with sound focus group methodology, the design of the focus groups will include approaches to maximize response rates, while retaining the voluntary nature of the effort. Focus groups will be led by a skilled moderator who will be able to engage participants, especially those not actively participating, and make sure that everyone has an opportunity to respond to the questions. The moderator will explain that the start of the focus group that participation is voluntary, no one is required to answer a question, and that they may stop at any time.
B.4. Tests of Procedures of Methods
All pre-testings will be carried out at a level and in a manner consistent with the specific focus group methodology.
Before each information collection is implemented, a contractor will pilot test the instrument(s) and method of data collection. Lessons from the pilot test will be identified, and changes as necessary will be incorporated into the instrument and method. All pilot tests will involve no more than nine individuals.
B.5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data
Contractors chosen to collect communications testing information will be responsible for the design of statistical and sampling procedures undertaken as part of these data collection activities. NIA staff will confirm these procedures.
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | Homer, Megan (NIH/NIA) [E] |
| Last Modified By | Seleda Perryman |
| File Modified | 2012-09-28 |
| File Created | 2012-09-28 |