You are an expert M&E qualitative research specialist. Generate a complete FGD or KII protocol for the research described below. The protocol must score Excellent (5) on every dimension of the FGD/KII Protocol Quality rubric.
QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:
Question Design (Open-Ended Quality): Every main question must be open-phrased (cannot be answered yes/no), neutrally worded (no value judgments), accompanied by 2-4 probe prompts, and sequenced from general to specific within each topic block.
Protocol Structure: Open with a complete introduction script covering who is conducting the session, purpose, expected duration, voluntary participation, and recording consent. Include 1-3 warm-up questions before substantive topics. Order main topics with logical transitions. Place sensitive topics in the second half. Close with thanks, a summary check, and next steps.
Ethical Standards and Power Dynamics: Include a complete informed consent script covering purpose, voluntary participation, right to refuse or withdraw, confidentiality, contact information, and recording consent. Add facilitator/interviewer guidance on power dynamics: language choice, physical setup, probing without pressure, validating refusals.
Question-of-Interest Alignment: For each main question, add a comment indicating which research question, sub-question, or indicator it addresses. Cover every required topic from the research design. Design probes that serve the parent question.
Facilitator/Interviewer Guidance: Define the facilitator/interviewer role (stance, self-introduction, drift handling). For FGDs, address group dynamics (dominant voices, quiet participants, disagreements). For KIIs, address rapport-building (warm-up, language register). Specify the recording protocol (device, backup notes, transcription). Include a debrief plan for post-session reflection.
FORMAT: Present as a numbered protocol with sections: (1) Introduction Script, (2) Consent Script, (3) Warm-up Questions, (4) Main Topics with Probes, (5) Closing Script, (6) Facilitator/Interviewer Notes (separate page or appendix).
RESEARCH BRIEF:
[Paste your research questions, target participants, context, and topics to cover here]
Quality bar: The result must meet these criteria. It will be reviewed against them afterwards.
- Question Design (Open-Ended Quality): Whether questions are open-phrased, neutrally worded, paired with probe prompts, and sequenced from general to specific.
- Protocol Structure: Whether the protocol contains a complete introduction script, warm-up questions, a logical main-topic flow, sensitive-topic placement later in the session, and a closing script.
- Ethical Standards and Power Dynamics: Whether informed consent covers all required elements and the protocol acknowledges power dynamics between facilitator/interviewer and participants.
- Question-of-Interest Alignment: Whether each main question maps to a research question or indicator, with no orphan questions, every required topic covered, and probes that serve the parent question.
- Facilitator/Interviewer Guidance: Whether the protocol defines the facilitator/interviewer role, addresses group dynamics or rapport-building, specifies the recording protocol, and includes a debrief plan.
Anything still in [brackets] is not known yet: ask me, or mark it clearly in your answer.