Formative Research is a research conducted during the development of a program or intervention to help decide on and describe the target audience, understand the factors which influence their behavior and determine the best ways to reach them. It looks at behaviors, attitudes, and practices of target groups; it involves exploring behavioral determinants and uses a myriad of methods to collect data.
Why is formative research important?
1) Formative research informs planning and research design.
- Gaps identification in knowledge and barriers
- Informs intervention design, practices, program, initiatives
- Designs health programs that are effective and efficient in reaching target audiences
- Provides the framework for developing interventions in other contexts.
2) Formative research ensures that the program is culturally appropriate and increase the understanding of the context of the study area.
- Identifies culturally sensitive and appropriate intervention program
- Assesses the acceptability at the family and community level
- Modifies interventions and approaches to fit the local context
3) Formative research helps in developing partnerships with community people.
- Promotes community engagement
- Increases the possibility that acceptable, effective, and sustainable interventions are developed
4) Formative research understands why certain approaches work and others do not.
- Understands what causes an intervention to be successful
5) Formative research develops culturally appropriate and robust study instruments.
