DATA-COLLECTION

Data Collection Strategies

Approaches for gathering information or data based on assessing specific needs and contexts.

Qualitative Data

Data that deal with descriptions and can be observed but not always precisely measured.

Quantitative Data

Data in numerical form that can be precisely measured, such as age, cost, or temperature.

Reliability

A measure of a data collection method's precision and stability over repeated trials.

Internal Validity

The extent to which the measure captures what it is intended to measure.

Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or sources to increase the accuracy of data collection.

Structured Approach

A data collection method where all data is collected in the same way to allow for comparison.

Semi-Structured Approach

Systematic and follow general procedures but data are not collected in exactly the same way every time

Participatory Methods

Engagement of groups or communities heavily in the data collection process.

Focus Groups

Type of qualitative research where small homogenous groups of people are brought together to informally discuss specific topics under the guidance of a moderator

Observation

A data collection tool that sees what is happening in real time, assessing actual behaviors.

Expert Judgment

Use of knowledge from experts to inform evaluations or data collection processes.

Self-Reported Checklists

A tool where respondents specify behaviors or events over a period of time, capturing real-time experiences.

Obtrusive Methods

Data collection methods that directly obtain information from those being evaluated.

Unobtrusive Methods

Data collection methods that do not collect information directly from the subjects.

Community Meetings

A participatory tool used for gathering information and involving community members.

Structured Approach

All data collected in the same way

relevant, valid, reliable, credible

characteristics of good measures

relevance

do not measure what is easy instead of what is needed

credibility

is the measure believeable?

triangulation of methods

collection of same information using different methods

triangulation os sources

collection of same information from a variety of sources

triangulation of evaluators

collection of same information from more than one evaluator

mapping

drawing or using existing maps

transect walks

Evaluator walks around community observing people, surroundings, and resources

google earth

Maps and satellite images for complex or pinpointed regional searches

surveys and interviews

excellent for asking people about perceptions, opinions, ideas

structured

it is a structure for surveys that is precisely worded with a range of pre-determined responses

semi-structure

it is a structure for surveys that asks same general set of question but answeres to the qs are predominantly open-minded

diaries and self-reported checklists

Use when you want to capture information about events in people’s daily lives

self reported checklist

Cross between a questionnaire and a diary

self-reported checklist

The evaluator specifies a list of behaviors or events and asks the respondents to complete the checklist

expert judgement

Use of experts, one-on-one or as a panel