MONITORING & EVALUATION

PRESENTATION

DATA COLLECTION METHODS

 INTRODUCTION TO DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Data collection, means gathering information to address critical monitoring and

evaluation questions that you have identified earlier in the evaluation process.
To plan data collection, you must think about the questions to be answered and the
information sources available.
We use different Data collection methods in conducting research depending on
the best approach which can answer your research questions.
Therefore, there are basically two types of approaches used in conducting
research. i.e. Qualitative and Quantitative Research method.
Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g.,
text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be
used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research.
 INTRODUCTION TO DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Quantitative research is the opposite of qualitative research

which involves collecting and analyzing numerical data for
statistical analysis.
Quantitative Information – Involves a measurable quantity—
numbers are used. Some examples are length, mass,
temperature, and time. Quantitative information is often called
data, but can also be things other than numbers.
 Qualitative verse Quantitative Research
More subjective: describes a problem or condition from the More objective: provides observed effects (interpreted by
point of view of those experiencing it researchers) of a program on a problem or condition

Qualitative research tells us why the respondents made Quantitative Research data tells us what respondents’
those choices choices are

Text-based Number-based

(Open-ended- questions) Unstructured or semi-structured (closed-ended-questions) Fixed response options

response options

Methods include focus groups, in-depth interviews, and Surveys, structured interviews & observations, and reviews of
reviews of documents for types of themes records or documents for numeric information

Elements of analysis Words, pictures and objects Elements of analysis includes numerical data
 COMMONLY USED DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
• Qualitative research uses non-measurable sources of data
and relies mostly on observation techniques to gain insights. It
is mostly used to answer questions beginning with “why?” and
how?”.
Examples of Qualitative Data collection Methods Examples of Qualitative Data collection Tools

Focus groups Focus Group Guide

Observation Check list

Individual interviews Interview Guide

Written records Books, Articles from websites, etc.

 COMMONLY USED DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
• Quantitative research presents data in a numerical format, enabling
researchers to evaluate and understand this data through 
statistical analysis. It answers questions such as “who?”, “when?”
“what?”, and “where?”.

Examples of Quantitative Data collection Methods Examples of Quantitative Data collection Tools

Questionnaires Questionnaire Guide

Observation Checklist

Experiment Table of result

 COMMONLY USED DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Interviews:
Interviews are probably the most common tool used in planning,
monitoring and evaluation. They can be carried out with one person at
a time (individual interviews) or groups of people. They can be
administered formally or informally.
Observation: its most simple, observation involves ‘seeing’ things –
such as objects, processes, relationships, events – and formally
recording the information.
Focus group discussions:
Focus group discussions (FGDs) are facilitated discussions, held with a
small group of people who have specialist knowledge or interest in a
particular topic.
COMMONLY USED DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
questionnaires:
These are designed to collect and record information from many
people, groups or organisations in a consistent way. A questionnaire is a
form containing questions.
When it is printed out or designed template to be filled online its now
called questionnaire Guide which is the tool.

Direct measurement;
Some changes can be measured directly through basic assessments or
counting. For example, the amount of money spent on a project or
programme can be measured directly; outputs such as trainings
conducted or schools built can be counted; and some changes – such as
people attending a hospital – can be recorded accurately
COMMONLY USED DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
Photography and video:
Photographs and videos show still or moving images. Photographs can
be used on their own, but are more often accompanied by written
captions, providing additional information. Videos are often
accompanied by a commentary.
The use of photography and video has become increasingly common
within M&E over recent years and the data collection tools are Audio
recorders, Cameras etc.
Roles and Responsibilities of M & E
Officer/Assistant
(a)Ensure proper administering of M&E tools for different projects

Take lead in the preparation of field tools for Data collection.

Participate in field pre-testing of Data collection tools.
Ensures M&E tools are well administered according to set guidelines
to randomly selected interviewees.
Maintaining and updating progress of work plan.
Assist in developing and tracking the project risk management plan
to track and mitigate any risks that might deter project progress as
planned.
Roles and Responsibilities of M & E
Officer/Assistant
(b) Ensures implementation process of various activities runs smoothly.
Support monitoring and evaluation tasks (planning, coordination of
monitoring activities, training of staff, data collection, cleaning and
analysis).
Support training of sub-office staff as required on data collection,
monitoring and evaluation.
Assist in community sensitization and mobilization of various project
activities.
Inform staff of significant issues to the monitoring and evaluation of the
program, and offer recommendations for possible courses of action.
 Roles and Responsibilities of M & E Officer/Assistant
(c) Ensures Effective Data Management
Undertake data entry and analysis from time to time as may be
required using SPSS, EPI INFO, Microsoft Excel, Word & Access.
Support on-going data entry & supervision, analysis, audits/validation
and self-verification for project evaluation purposes.
Ensures that all the data of the organisation are properly kept and
backup.
Assist in filling all the hard copies of organisational documents for
reference purpose.
Avails the programme team with data when needed at anytime.
Roles and Responsibilities of M & E
Officer/Assistant
(d) Learning and Reporting
Prepare monthly and Quarterly activity sub-office monitoring reports
for different projects.
Take lead in the documentation of human interest and success stories
to facilitate qualitative outcomes of the intervention on the
benefitting communities.
Participate in the compilation of the monthly Partner updates to
share with the relevant stakeholders.
Support communication and dissemination of lessons learnt etc.