Our company’s uniqueness is in our ability to combine effectively quantitative and qualitative paradigms in the study of social issues and problems. Our key consultants are versatile in both methodologies which are combined in a triangulation fashion from the beginning of a research process to the end. At CFIC we believe that both quantitative and qualitative research methods reinforce each other as both have peculiar advantages and disadvantages.

Qualitative research is the study of people or things in their natural environment with the aim of making sense of questions and solutions using specific theories, and techniques of data collection. Qualitative research is pragmatic, in-depth, reflexive, interdisciplinary, and multi-method in approach. The most commonly used qualitative data collection techniques are: observation, participant observation, key informant interviews (KII) or in-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD), case study, and archival study. Two commonly used methods of data analysis are; comparative and content analysis. At CFIC we have several years of expertise and experience on qualitative methods gained from several countries around the world.

Quantitative research uses quantification of relationships between concepts or variables to understand people or things. It tries to answer the question; how many, how much, how often, to what extent, and at what level. It largely employs deductive reasoning to test theories to confirm or reject hypothesis. Quantitative research uses statistical probability theory to collect representative samples in order to make inference about a study population. Common quantitative data collection techniques employed are; household survey, community-based survey, hospital-based study, and client satisfaction survey among others. Analyses of data include univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques and tabular presentation of results. CFIC has a reservoir of highly skilled experts versatile in quantitative research with experience from several countries in the world.

Considerable proportions of our consultants are skilled in both quantitative and qualitative methods and are able to triangulate effectively between the two methods. Quantitative and qualitative methods are combined right from the planning stage, to data collection, analysis and reports. Our use of mixed methods enables us to provide insight into programs problems and solutions.

Operations research is a specialized type of research designed to help solve practical problems of project implementation. It employs a combination of various techniques of data collection both quantitative and qualitative in a synergistic manner. Operations research is designed such that between baseline and end-line data, other waves of data are quickly collected and analysed to provide feedback to project strategies, thus making project more responsive to meeting the needs of an organization or target population. MMC is currently involved in operations research geared to fine-tune programming for adolescent orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their caregivers.

Market research is mainly employed by business entities to have scientific information about their products and services in the market place. It is often use for product positioning among specific sub-groups of a population or for price determination, willingness to pay, market penetration and competitiveness. Other key uses of market research include branding and re-branding of products and services to fill untapped potentials in the market. Data collection techniques employed by our consultants include panel surveys, consumer profile surveys, satisfaction survey, mystery client survey, observation, and focus group discussion (FGD).

A key objective of CFIC is blazing the trail in some unique subject areas thus, serving as information powerhouse in them. In this regard we write research proposals in identified grey areas of interest and solicit for sponsorship with national and international funding agency.

Key grey areas of interest are:

  • Knowledge evaluation on HIV/AIDS and Modern Contraception
  • Supply Side Unmet Need for Contraception
  • Sex Workers Transition to Other Trade
  • Benefits of Generational OVC Linkages

At CFIC we have experts versatile in the study of special population such: (1) the most at risk population (MARP), and (2) the hardest to reach population due to difficult terrains or culture depending on which is applicable. In Nigeria as in other developing countries, state specific MARPs will be ascertained using the country DHS data disaggregated by state, LGAs, and by gender, and supported by relevant specific literature. The hardest to reach on the other hand may be defined as people living in river areas including creeks, and transient populations like the Fulanis (of Nigeria), and street children prevalent in some parts of the country.