8 / Myanmar's media from an audience perspective Table 1: Overview of research participants a b Yangon Mandalay Rakhine Kachin Total Total number of participants 42 45 45 36 168 Gender distribution 22 men 20 women 25 men 20 women 23 men 22 women 19 men 17 women 89 men 79 women Age distribution a 16-24: 16 25-34: 6 35-44: 5 45-54: 6 Above 55: 9 16-24: 8 25-34: 5 35-44: 12 45-54: 13 Above 55: 7 16-24: 19 25-34: 9 35-44: 8 45-54: 4 Above 55: 3 16-24: 7 25-34: 6 35-44: 8 45-54: 8 Above 55: 7 16-24: 50 25-34: 26 45-44: 33 45-54: 31 Above 55: 26 Ethnicities b Bamar: 41 Other: 1 Bamar: 35 Other: 9 Bamar: 5 Rakhine: 40 Bamar: 1 Kachin: 32 Shan: 1 Other: 2 Bamar: 82 Kachin: 32 Shan: 1 Rakhine: 40 Other: 12 Two persons (both in Rakhine state) declined from revealing their age. One person (from Mandalay) declined from revealing his/her ethnicitiy. Data collection In preparation of the study, different materials and manuals informed by similar studies and past experiences from across the globe were developed. For the focus groups, a moderator guide was developed with instructions for the moderator as well as questions and assignments for the participants. For the in-depth interviews, an interview guide was developed. The guide included instructions for the interviewer as well as questions for the interviewee. All materials were designed in a flexible way to accommodate for different levels of media literacy and media habits. Prior to data collection, the materials were translated into Burmese, the research team was trained in using the guides and a trial of both guides were undertaken. All participants in the study were required to fill out 1) a background questionnaire with questions on demography and media habits and 2) an informed consent form. In some cases, participants chose to give oral consent instead of signing a consent form. If no consent was given, the participant was excluded from the research. The research team made sure that all participants understood the purposes of the research and informed them of the use of the collected data. All participants have been anonymized throughout this report. Despite minor obstacles8, the data collection was carried out successfully. The research team reported high interest from participants and good participation in most focus groups and in-depth interviews. Focus groups typically lasted 1.5 to 2 hours and in-depth interviews took between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Focus groups and interviews were undertaken in participants’ native languages – sometimes with the help of an interpreter to translate into local dialects and ethnic languages. For more on the methodology, please contact IMS. 8 Such as difficulties with getting permissions from local authorities; finding proper venues; and participants having to leave before the focus groups ended.