appendix 1: research design Research Objectives The objective of this study was to uncover the ways in which information circulates in Mon State and the dynamics that comprise its unique information ecosystem. The study sought to explore and document the status of media use and the ways in which news and information available in Mon State is received, evaluated, trusted, and shared. selected for the study by probability-proportionalto-size (PPS) sampling. Both non-conflict areas and former conflict areas were selected. The townships selected for the study are presented below in Figure 1. Theme 1: Use of New Media & Technology XX Theme 2: Information Flows XX Field dates Methodology and Approach Research for the study took place in Mon State between December 2012 and January 2013. The study combined quantitative and qualitative research, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. In-country research was carried out through the services of field contractor Myanmar Survey Research (MSR). A household survey sample size of 500 was selected to allow for statistical estimates for Mon State as a whole with a 95% confidence interval and margin of error of ±6.3%. Five out of Mon State’s 10 townships were 20% Sampling 80% KYAIKTO 500 respondents (Urban = 100, Rural = 400) NON CONFLICT AREA (Non-conflict = 450, Former conflict = 50) Focus Group Discussions (12) FORMER CONFLICT AREAS (RESPONDENTS SAMPLED: 50) Non-conflict area (8) Former conflict/ ceasefire area (4) 10% Non-conflict area (16) Key Informant Interviews (24) 90% AREAS Former conflict/ ceasefire area (8) MAWLAMYINE Ethnographic 12 locations Observation (12) CHAUNGZON Within each township, two urban wards and eight rural villages were selected by simple random sampling. A total of 10 wards and 40 villages were selected. Within each sample point, households were selected randomly based on a set interval from rotating community starting points, such as a school, market, or temple. Once a household was selected, respondents were selected through the use of a Kish Grid. figure 1: sample locations Township Number of Wards Number of Villages Total Sample Points Mawlamyine 2 8 10 Chaungzon 2 8 10 Kyaikhto 2 8 10 Thaton 2 8 10 Ye 2 8 10 10 40 50 Total part one: rese arch findings CONFLICT AREA THATON NON-CONFLICT AREAS (RESPONDENTS SAMPLED: 450) MALE (RESPONDENTS SAMPLED: 152) FEMALE (RESPONDENTS SAMPLED: 348) 30% 70% SEX AGE RANGE 18% 22% 22% 19% YE 8% 7% 3% 1% 16-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 54 INFORMATION ECOSYSTEMS in transition: a case study from myanmar THAILAND LOCATION December 16, 2012 to January 5, 2013 Household survey Theme 3: Understanding Trust & Influence The study sought to pilot this research in Mon State, with the intent to expand the research to Myanmar’s six remaining ethnic states in the future—into Chin, Kachin, Kayah (Karenni), Kayin (Karen), Rakhine (Arakan), and Shan. RURAL (RESPONDENTS SAMPLED: 400) field research summary The research centered around three key research themes: XX URBAN (RESPONDENTS SAMPLED: 100) 61-70 71-80 81-83 55 how to inform, empower, and impact communities INFORMATION ECOSYSTEMS in transition: a case study from myanmar how to inform, empower, and impact communities PART ONE: RESEARCH FINDINGS