Services

Briefing field supervisors at ORCA HQ Kabul

Research Services

ORCA has experience in the full spectrum of social science research development—including experimental and evaluation designs—from the development of research questions through assessment of existing and potential data sources, project design, sampling strategies, selection of data collection tools and approaches, validation and quality control, and data analysis....Since its founding, ORCA has been a critical research center for national and international clientele, serving as a research design and data collection partner in a wide range of disciplines.

Research Design

Based on our decades of research experience in Afghanistan, we’ve established effective methods for studying the survey response process, and we have conducted field experiments examining the effect of alternative measurement methods and data collection protocols on final estimates.

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We always conduct pilot interviews on questionnaires before the actual field work to:

Ensure any cultural nuances are accounted for as well as to fine-tune the questionnaire to the local understanding and linguistic composition by keeping the same concept of validity.
Improve question wording and flow
Observe the implementation of sensitive questions and local comprehension levels.
Evaluate levels of understanding of the mechanism among special populations like children.

Data Collection

ORCA has a long history of conducting high quality data collection to support important nationwide survey research projects. Since the design and operations of a research study are crucial to reliability, validity, and credibility, the data collection team works closely with statisticians and methodologists, and quality assurance specialists to develop high quality data collection activities.

Data Collection Modes

ORCA gathers data in many different ways, including:

Pen-and-Paper Personal Interview (PAPI)
Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI)
Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing... (CATI)
Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI)
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
In-depth Interviews (IDIs)
Desk Research
Case Studies

Quantitative Research

Face-to-Face, CAPI, PAPI, CATI, CAWI, Omnibus and Hall Tests:

Qualitative Research

Highly experienced researchers for focus groups, paired interviews and In-depth interviews

In-depth Interviews (IDIs)

ORCA has successfully conducted over 14 thousand of in-depth interviews with consumers, Key opinion leaders (KOL), Key Influential Informants (KII), politicians, experts, corporates, small and large businesses and many more variety of audiences across industry verticals....Our researchers are well qualified, and specialize in their respective domain to conduct in-depth interviews that aim to deeply explore respondents’ points of view, feelings and perspectives.

Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

ORCA has professional experience in conducting high-quality focus groups with targeted audience, including men, women, literate, illiterate, key community members, parents, teachers, consumers, field interviewers, high school students and others.

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In conducting a focus group, ORCA researchers:

Identify, plan and prepare a Focus Group Discussion Guide for Moderators.
Select participants based on the set criteria ( age, income, gender, race, and degree or literacy) and arrange for the comfortable gathering location.
Guide and moderate the discussion.
Listen to, observe, and record the group interactions (audio, video and note-taking).
Analyze the product of the discussion.

Step 1

Project Design, Timeline, and Budget

We have established a committee to study the research brief and propose effective solutions for clients. The committee is composed of a survey research specialist, statistician, cultural advisor, financial expert, and data collection manager. They ensure that we either make it a great success or don’t do it at all.

Step 2

Mode

We usually conduct face-to-face Pen-and-Paper Personal Interview (PAPI), Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI), Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), and Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI).

Step 3

Sample Design

We often use a nationally representative stratified (by provinces) multi-stage cluster sample for PAPI and CAPI and use random-digit dialing (RDD) telephone sample for CATI.

Step 4

Training

We train all interviewers and supervisors in specific technical and ethical requirements of a project. They always conduct mock-up interviews and take quizzes before launching data collection to test their knowledge of survey methods and questionnaire administration.

Step 5

Pretests, Field Work, and Quality Control:

The pretests ensure any cultural nuances are accounted for as well as to fine-tune the questionnaire to the local understanding and linguistic composition by keeping the same concept of validity.
Fieldwork is launched in all target provinces within 2-4 days. At least 30% of each interviewer’s completed interviews are validated through a combination of accompaniments and re-contacts (in-person or phone).
Our CAPI and CATI software provide all standard quality control features needed to monitor fieldwork remotely.

Step 6

Coding

We provide in language and translated verbatim responses for open-ended questions throughout fieldwork.

Step 7

Software Development

For PAPI, we develop particular computer software that fully complies with the logic, flow and entries of a project and is convertible into SPSS, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. It does not only ease the data entry but speeds it up with utmost accuracy.

Step 8

Data Entry

For PAPI, we check all questionnaires for coherence and completeness prior to data entry. Then, we have 20% of each data entry operator’s output entered by a different operator. There must be 98% match or higher at the data entry operator level for the original data entry to be considered acceptable.

Step 9

Interpretation, Analysis and Reporting

The team of survey research specialists and statisticians, who are well-acquainted with the research goals from the very beginning, are dedicated to analyze, interpret and report research results. Supporting deliverables include: Methodology Report, Achieved Sampling Points, Photographs, Video and Audio tapes, transcripts, and complete lists of moderators, note-takers, supervisors, and interviewers.

Data Quality & Confidentiality

Email:
info@orca.com.af
Phone:
+93202501176
Mobile:
+93 799 890933
WhatsApp:
+93 786233333
Address:
House No. 282, Duniya University Street, Karta-e-Se, Kabul City, Afghanistan