Table 2

Assessment of diagramming effectiveness

Measure

Graphic

Elicitation

(Diagrams B/C)

Participatory

Diagramming

(Diagram A)

6

Number (mean (range)) of positions/organizations added to diagram physically and verbally

Physical: 7 (1–15)

Verbal: 0 (0–7)

Physical: 2 (0–11)

Verbal: 1 (0–8)

7

Number (mean (range)) of unique positions/organizations added to diagram physically and verbally – excluding the 23 unique positions/organizations presented on Diagrams B/C

Physical Unique: 4 (0–9)

Verbal Unique: 0 (0–3)

Physical Unique: 1 (0–9)

Verbal Unique: 1 (0–5)

8

Number (mean (range)) of relationships (arrows/lines) added to diagram physically and verbally

Physical: 7 (0–20)

Verbal: 1 (0–11)

Physical: 3 (0–18)

Verbal: 2 (0–12)

9

Number (mean (range)) of unique relationships (arrows/lines) added physically and verbally – excluding the 33 unique relationships presented on Diagrams B/C

Physical Unique: 4 (0–12)

Verbal Unique: 1 (0–6)

Physical Unique: 3 (0–16)

Verbal Unique: 2 (0–12)

10

Number (mean (range)) of relationships (arrows/lines) modified physically and verbally

n/a

Physical: 3 (0–12)

Verbal: 3 (0–12)

11

Percentage of interviewees returning to Diagram A after viewing Diagrams B/C

17% (11/64) returned

n/a

12

Number (mean (range)) of additions/edits made to Diagram A after viewing Diagrams B/C

Positions/Organizations added/edited upon return to Diagram A: 1 (0–2) Relationships added/edited upon return to Diagram A: 1 (0–4)

n/a

Qualitative observations

Verbal comments accompanying diagrams captured greater breadth of response reflecting information not identified in pre-interview review work.

Verbal comments accompanying diagrams focused on researcher-prepared items, with responses including more details, insights and examples.

Umoquit et al. BMC Medical Research Methodology 2008 8:53   doi:10.1186/1471-2288-8-53