Adrienne M. Smith, PhD, MS, CHES, Office on Women's Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 730B, Washington, DC 20201, 202-690-5884, asmith@osophs.dhhs.gov

Qualitative research has proven to be a valuable way to obtain information that impacts various aspects of public health policy. From qualitative data gathering methods, insight can be gained to justify and develop public health campaigns and initiatives, as well as to validate quantitative studies. Concept Mapping is a qualitative tool used to gather ideas/topics/information/concepts about a specific focus. The concept mapping process is operationalized as a brainstorming or data-gathering tool to obtain information from a large number of individuals who have diverse levels of expertise in a specific focus area. Primarily internet-based, invited participants are presented with a focus statement that prompts them to provide input to an open-ended statement. After gathering all the input, participants’ statements are organized and arranged in categories and rated in order of importance, feasibility, usability etc., based on the needs to the organization/agency seeking the data. Demographic indicators are collected from the participants to better understand the populations or issues the participants’ organizations represent. Multidimensional scaling is used to analyze and transform submitted information into a Concept Map, presented in two pictorial representations: a Concept Map and a Pattern Map. The results from this information-gathering process have been used across several health agencies and have served to be an effective tool for collecting a comprehensive scope of information in a short period of time to develop materials and shape initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the steps of the Concept Mapping process.
• Identify possible uses for the Concept Mapping tool.
• Articulate the validity of qualitative information-gathering.

Keywords: Methodology, Data Collection

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.