Data Gathering

Data Collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. Inaccurate data collection can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results.

Data collection methods for impact evaluation vary along a continuum. At the one end of this continuum are quantitative methods and at the other end of the continuum are Qualitative methods for data collection

Quantitative and Qualitative Data collection methods

The Quantitative data collection methods, rely on random sampling and structured data collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into predetermined response categories. They produce results that are easy to summarize, compare, and generalize.



Typical quantitative data gathering strategies include:

1. Experiments/clinical trials.
2. Observing and recording well-defined events (e.g., counting the number of patients waiting in emergency at specified times of the day).
3. Obtaining relevant data from management information systems.
4. Administering surveys with closed-ended questions (e.g., face-to face and telephone interviews, questionnaires etc).

The qualitative methods most commonly used in evaluation can be classified in three broad categories: 

1. Indepth interview
2. Observation methods
3. Document review

Data gathering techniques differ in two ways:

• Amount of time, level of detail and risk associated with the findings
• Knowledge the analyst requires

Choosing among techniques can be varied as followings:

• Stakeholders,
• Resources available,
• Design and development team
• Usually more than one data gathering technique in order to triangulate findings

Then the next approach is going to be the Data analysis and interpretation.