QUICK GUIDE 4 - KEY QUALITATIVE METHODS QUICK GUIDE 4 - KEY QUALITATIVE METHODS Here are some general questions to use in focus group discussions which can be tailored to the specific circumstances. Please note that not all questions need to be asked. If multiple questions are selected for the focus group discussion, consider grouping according to theme (e.g., a session on causes and impacts followed by a discussion on obstacles and solutions). • • • • Do you have a nationality? [Where there is a requirement that the individual holds proof of nationality] Do you have proof of nationality? [Can be asked of each member of the group individually or through a show of hands] Since when has the group experienced difficulties in acquiring the nationality of Country X? [Take some responses] [Where there is a requirement that the individual holds proof of nationality] Since when has the group experienced difficulty in acquiring proof of nationality of Country X? [Take some responses] • What are the reasons given by Government authorities for not giving nationality/ proof of nationality? [Take some responses] • Were you/your children registered at birth? Do you have proof? [Show of hands] • • civic rights (voting), property rights, issues with law enforcement, access to justice) [Give everyone in the group who wants to say something the opportunity to do so]. • What services can you only access when you can show that you are a national? [Take some responses] What specific problems have you faced as a result of not having a nationality/ proof of nationality? [If necessary, prompt questions about: access to education (primary, secondary, tertiary), access to healthcare, freedom of movement, social services, employment, To what extent do you think not having a nationality has made things more difficult for you than if you had a nationality? [Take a number of responses and allow discussion between participants] • Why do you think that you are not being recognised as a citizen/ being issued with a citizenship document? [Take some responses] • What is the impact of not being recognised as a national, on you, your family, your community, your relationship with others in society who are citizens of Country X? [Take some responses] • Do you feel that you are a member of the broader society? Of country X? [Take some responses] • What steps have you or your community taken to get a nationality/ proof of nationality? [Take some responses] • Have you sought assistance from anyone or any organisation? [Take some responses] • What are the obstacles you have faced in trying to resolve your nationality/ proof of nationality situation? [Take some responses] • If you were able to acquire nationality/ proof of nationality, how did this happen? [Take responses from all those who were able to acquire a nationality] • What difference has it made to your situation to have acquired a nationality/ proof of nationality? How long did it take for you to experience these changes? [Take as many responses as possible]. Semi-structured interviews Semi-structured interviews are conducted in the same way as focus groups but with a smaller number of people (2 – 3) or just one individual, in an informal and conversational way, using open-ended questions. These can be conducted with families, households, or groups of people known to each other, all with similar experiences or concerns. Semi-structured discussions are suited to analysing problems that are more nuanced or complex that may not easily emerge or take up too much time with just one individual or in a larger focus group discussion. They are also useful when personal, sensitive or confidential information is being discussed. 40 U N H C R > R E S E A R C H I N G S TAT E L E S S N E S S - Q U I C K G U I D E S Semi-structured interviews enable the researcher to better capture an individual’s full story, gather quotes and where consent is given also take photos and video-record testimony. One technique for selecting individuals for a semi-structured interview is to identify them during the course of a focus group discussion. In such discussions, a few individuals will usually stand out because they express themselves eloquently and clearly, have an ability to respond to questions relevantly and in detail, or have a particular, or compelling story to share. U N H C R > R E S E A R C H I N G S TAT E L E S S N E S S - Q U I C K G U I D E S 41