An extended briefing and debriefing technique to enhance data quality in cross-national/language mixed-method research

Figures & data

Figure 1. The extended briefing and debriefing technique.

NB: Broken arrows represent steps that may be skipped.

Table 1. Backgrounds and strategic roles of research assistants (pseudo names used).

Research Assistant	Qualifications	Research experience	Language skills	Strategic role
Jenny From Mkono but with extensive experience working with communities in Bwaise and Natete	BA in Urban Planning, MSc Land use and Regional development – thesis stage, Training in Applied Statistics and Scientific writing	Thesis research on flood risk induced relocation in Kampala, Research assistant with researchers from the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, University College London and contributed in the final research report writing, Volunteer research assistant with students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology collaborating with Slum dwellers Uganda, Makerere University and Act together Kampala, Research intern at Makerere University working on Kampala land use map, vulnerability and adaptability to climate change among others	Runyakitara -Native user English – Advanced user Luganda – Intermediate user	Oversee other research assistants and helping in GPS points reading and translating key concepts into Luganda. Taking over where others encounter Runyakitara speaking respondents
Japheth	Bachelor of Arts in Geography	Research and mapping Worked with us in our previous research in 2015	Luganda – Native User English – Advanced user	Help with training other research assistants and overseeing logistical issues
Martin From Makerere	Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography Short training in GIS and Remote Sensing Short training in Resource Economics and Environment	Research assistant in the department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climate change at Makerere University. Had experience carrying surveys, interviews in Environmental Science research	Lusonga – Native user Luganda – Excellent user English – Advanced user	Help with overseeing other research assistants and training them to use and maintain GPS trackers correctly. Also helping in translating difficult concepts from the questionnaire and those coming in answers. Taking over where others experience Lusonga speaking respondents
Hillary	3rd year student, Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Geography	Undertaken research in Katanga slum settlement in Kampala on socio-economic and environmental problems. Community profile coordinator	Runyankole – Native user English – Advanced user Luganda – intermediate user	Since she was on holiday, she helped work overtime to help beat the deadline Taking over where others encounter Runyangole speaking respondents.
Melody	3rd year student, Bachelor of Commerce in Purchasing and supply	Field assistant with AMREF Uganda, collecting data in Kabale district	Runyoro – Native user Luganda – Advanced user English – Advanced user Kiswahili – intermediate user	Taking over interviewing Runyoro and Kiswahili speaking respondents
Nathan	Bachelor of Arts in Geography	Thesis research	English – Advanced user Luganda – Beginner	Assisting with GPS trackers
Jim From Natete	Diploma in Business studies	Intern at Luwero town council	Luganda – Native user Kiswahili – intermediate user English – Advanced user Arabic – intermediate user	Point of contact in Natete
Sandra From Ntinda	Diploma in cosmetology		Luganda – Native user English – Advanced	Contact person for Ntinda
Claudia From Ntinda	Diploma in cosmetology	Nil	Luganda – Native user English – Advanced	2nd contact person for Ntinda