Data Collection Techniques

DATA COLLECTION PURPOSE & TECHNIQUE

WHY DO WE COLLECT DATA?        

monitor progress get information evaluate performance effectively use of resources identify gaps between knowledge and practice evaluate impact of a program decision making utilise in planning

Commonly Used Data Collection Procedures •experiment •survey Census & inter census projections In-depth or detailed sample survey Quick count or rapid survey •observational facts •interviews •focus group discussion

Steps in Data Collection •Identification of the objective •listing of targeted population •time frame •data collection instrument •method of data collection •selection of proper sampling design Internal validity External validity •organisation - selection, responsibilities and training of staff •precoding •pre-testing •field survey launching

Survey Questionnaire Careful consideration should be given to the following: •Type of question structure open ended closed ended •Phrasing and wording of questions •Lay-out of the question •Aids to the respondent •Aids and instructions to the interviewer

Starting the Questionnaire Step 1: Write most important aims of the study Step 2: List of information, relevant to step 1 Step 3: main sections Step 4: questions which can be asked of the respondent Step 5: revise step 4 against 1 Step 6: all information is recorded

Starting the Questionnaire Step 7: check if every question is •clear and unambiguous •simple and short •a reasonable question to ask •to be an open or closed question •coded •scales Step 8: interview does not take too long

Phrasing and Wording of Questions •clarity - ask short, specific questions •simplicity-use simple everyday words •ask one question at a time •double barrelled questions-avoid multiple or compound questions •time frame •neutrality

Questionnaire Lay Out •easy to use •guidance and reminders to the interviewer •prevent confusion •instructions should not be overlooked •easy interpretation of answers

Question Sequence-respondent Must •understand •motivated •interest maintained •enjoy the interview

Prepare Interviewer Instructions •explain carefully •explain how to use the questionnaire during an interview •serve as a reference

Data Management •questionnaire identification number •questionnaire editing •development of coding sheet •development of code book •methods of data management hand tallying hand sorting use of computers

FEW SIMPLE BUT IMPORTANT RULES WHILE PREPARING A QUESTIONNAIRE  Every questionnaire must include information on name of village/name of family or person interviewed date of interview identification is usually put at the beginning of the questionnaire Questions must be short, simple and easily understood Only important questions should be asked Start the questionnaire with questions that are easy to answer and which deal with very familiar matters Leave plenty of space for the interviewer to write down the answers and to make notes of anything interesting s/he sees. If writing space is short then the handwriting will become cramped and very difficult to read