Module 10: Data Collection Methods

Module 8: Selecting and Constructing Data Collection Instruments

Introduction

• IPDET © 2009

• Data Collection Strategies
• Characteristics of Good Measures
• Quantitative and Qualitative Data
• Tools for Collecting Data

Data Collection Strategies

• IPDET © 2009

• No one best way: decision depends on:
• What you need to know: numbers or stories
• Where the data reside: environment, files, people
• Resources and time available
• Complexity of the data to be collected
• Frequency of data collection
• Intended forms of data analysis

Rules for Collecting Data

• IPDET © 2009

• Use multiple data collection methods
• Use available data, but need to know
• how the measures were defined
• how the data were collected and cleaned
• the extent of missing data
• how accuracy of the data was ensured

Rules for Collecting Data

• IPDET © 2009

• If must collect original data:
• be sensitive to burden on others
• pre-test, pre-test, pre-test
• establish procedures and follow them (protocol)
• maintain accurate records of definitions and coding
• verify accuracy of coding, data input

Structured Approach

• IPDET © 2009

• All data collected in the same way
• Especially important for multi-site and cluster evaluations so you can compare
• Important when you need to make comparisons with alternate interventions

Use Structured Approach When:

• IPDET © 2009

• need to address extent questions
• have a large sample or population
• know what needs to be measured
• need to show results numerically
• need to make comparisons across different sites or interventions