Module 10: Data Collection Methods

Guidelines for Diaries or Journals

• IPDET © 2009

Step		Process
1	Recruit people face-to-face • encourage participation, appeal to altruism, assure confidentiality, provide incentive
2	Provide a booklet to each participant • cover page with clear instructions, definitions, example • short memory-joggers, explain terms, comments on last page , calendar
3	Consider the time-period for collecting data • if too long, may become burdensome or tedious • if too short may miss the behavior or event

Self-reported Checklists

• IPDET © 2009

• Cross between a questionnaire and a diary
• The evaluator specifies a list of behaviors or events and asks the respondents to complete the checklist
• Done over a period of time to capture the event or behavior
• More quantitative approach than diary

Advantages and Challenges of Diaries and Self-reported Checklists

• IPDET © 2009

Advantages	Can capture in-depth, detailed data that might be otherwise forgotten Can collect data on how people use their time Can collect sensitive information Supplements interviews provide richer data
Challenges	Requires some literacy May change behavior Require commitment and self-discipline Data may be incomplete or inaccurate Poor handwriting, difficult to understand phrases