A paper and pencil method for obtaining responses to statements or questions by using a form on which participants provide opinions or factual information. An interaction between two people in which information is gathered relative to respondent's knowledge, thoughts and feelings about different topics.
Interviewer encourages discussion and expression of differing opinions and viewpoints.
Can also include class reviews, letters to teachers, letters from parents, and letters from former students to learn about the processes involved in a program and what may be having an impact. Can include birth rates, census data, contraceptive purchase data, and number of visits to hospitals for STDs. More accurate than self-report. It is especially useful for establishing a baseline or background of a program or of participants prior to measuring outcomes.