Returning to our research questions, our plan was to use a survey-based methodology to collect outcome data to answer the first question in relation to the impact of the program, as just described. The research team now had to agree on the appropriate means of answering the second and third research questions, in relation to stakeholder experiences
and program implementation, respectively. A design proposal was circulated to the EAG that placed the RCT study as primary, with a process study taking a secondary role, examining issues of implementation, process, and meaning.
The data for the second research question regarding the experiences of stakeholders were be answered through interviews with key program participants, including youth, mentors, parents, and staff. A purposive sample of 12 mentoring pairs was to be selected from across the study area reflecting differences in age, gender, and location, whether
urban or rural. Interviews were to be undertaken on two occasions, once when the relationship was established and the next following an interval of 6 months or more. This process would enable us to collect data on stakeholder perspectives and also allow an exploration with each pair of how the relationship develops over time. In relation to the third research question regarding program implementation, it was planned that a review of the case files of mentored youth would be undertaken to establish whether the program was implemented according to the manual. Focus groups with the program staff were also included in the design to collect data regarding their experience of implementing the program.