Module 10: Data Collection Methods

Triangulation to Increase Accuracy of Data

• Triangulation of methods
• collection of same information using different methods
• Triangulation of sources
• collection of same information from a variety of sources
• Triangulation of evaluators
• collection of same information from more than one evaluator

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Data Collection Tools

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• Participatory Methods
• Records and Secondary Data
• Observation
• Surveys and Interviews
• Focus Groups
• Diaries, Journals, Self-reported Checklists
• Expert Judgment
• Delphi Technique
• Other Tools

Tool 1: Participatory Methods

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• Involve groups or communities heavily in data collection
• Examples:
• community meetings
• mapping
• transect walks

Community Meetings

• One of the most common participatory methods
• Must be well organized
• agree on purpose
• establish ground rules
• who will speak
• time allotted for speakers
• format for questions and answers

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Mapping

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• Drawing or using existing maps
• Useful tool to involve stakeholders
• increases understanding of the community
• generates discussions, verifies secondary sources of information, perceived changes
• Types of mapping:
• natural resources, social, health, individual or civic assets, wealth, land use, demographics

Transect Walks

• Evaluator walks around community observing people, surroundings, and resources
• Need good observation skills
• Walk a transect line through a map of a community — line should go through all zones of the community

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