Fact Finding Techniques

IS8080
Dr. Mario Guimaraes

Fact Finding

Formal process of using techniques

such as interviews and questionnaires
to collect facts about systems,
requirements, and preferences.
This is the first step we must do before
designing a Database, Database
Application or any Software Application

Fact-Finding Techniques

Databasedevelopernormallyusesseveralfact
findingtechniquesduringasingledatabaseproject
including:
examining documentation,
interviewing,
Group interview, JAD
observing organization in operation,
research,
questionnaires.
Which method above is the most commonly
used ?

Documents

Interviews

Most commonly used, and normally

most useful, fact-finding technique.
Enables collection of information from
individuals face-to-face.
Objectives include finding out facts,
verifying facts, clarifying facts,
generating enthusiasm, getting enduser involved, identifying
requirements, and gathering ideas and
opinions.

Interview:
Advantage/Disadvantage

Types of Interviews

Structured Close ended questions

Unstructured Open ended questions

Phases in an Interview

Selecting Interviewees: who to interview

Designing Interview Questions: open ended,
closed ended questions, etc.
Preparing for the Interview
Conducting the Interview
Post-Interview Follow-up

Preparing for an Interview

Prepare General Interview Plan

List of Question
Anticipated Answers and Follow-Ups
Confirm Areas of Knowledge
Set Priorities in Case of Time Shortage
Prepare the Interviewee

Schedule
Inform of Reason for Interview
Inform of Areas of Discussion

Conducting an Interview

Appear professional and unbiased

Record all information
Check on organizational policy regarding
tape recording
Be sure you understand all issues and terms
Separate facts from opinions
Give interviewee time to ask questions
Be sure to thank the interviewee
End on time
Tips: Dont Worry, Be Happy, Pay Attention, Summarize Key Points,
Be Succinct, Be Honest, Watch Body Language

Post Interview

Prepare Interview Notes

Prepare Interview Report
Look for Gaps and New Questions

Observation

Effective technique for understanding

system.
Possible to participate in, or watch, a
person perform activities to learn
about system.
Useful when validity of data collected
is in question or when complexity of
certain aspects of system prevents
clear explanation by end-users.
Example: studying how a student learns
through VERBAL PROTOCOLS.

Adv./Dis. Of Observation

Research

Questionnaires

Conduct surveys through

questionnaires special-purpose
documents that allow facts to be
gathered from a large number of
people while maintaining some control
over their responses.
Two types of questions, namely freeformat and fixed-format.

Questionnaires

JAD or Group Interview

ADVANTAGES
one user may get idea from other user.
Avoids redundancy in interview
Saves interviewers time
DISADVANTAGE
one user hogs conversation
hierarchical structure of organization
may not allow some users to speak
freely.

End of Lecture

End
Of
Todays
Lecture.