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Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest. There are different types of data collection for example Quantitative information collection. Different data collection strategies which includes case studies, observation ect. Collecting data allows one to store and analyze important information about existing projects, and collecting data digitally allows for a much larger sample size and improves the reliability of the data.

The tips for creating data collection tools include:-
-Identifying who will use this tool.
-Focus on essential information
-Collect metadata
-Pre-test your tool
-Train staff to use the tool and include instructions.

precise data collection tool will be very helpful in conducting research

This module is a basis for M&E in that it gives a thorough watch out of the project's findings and how it should be organized. Data collection needs all participants in the organization to have a knowledge on how to enter data in the achieves of the project. This will help in monitoring and evaluation once the experts are used to carry out EvALUATION.

The mentioned methods used to collect data like survey, interview, observation and group analysis is a room for study and at times helps to get clear and distinct information.

It is intersting to see that there exists a wide range of data collection tools that should be able to answer the needs of any project's objectives. However it is worth noting that the use of some of the collection tools like the survey would entail the ablility to design the questionnaire and then eventually inteprete the answers say using a likert scale, etc.
Therefore at times this may require that this phase be outsourced to experts in this domain depending on the size as well of the endeavor.

well outlined!

While taking note that some of these tools may require some technical skills say for the intepretation of questionnaires ,etc

Data collection tool helps in the process of making sure that the indicators are measured correctly

For sure, budget and time factor is a dire need to be considered while executing any method of data collection. This is due to the fact that every budget has a start and end date. Any failure in budget or time management will cause inconvenice in the process of executing a project.

The data collection tools provide insights to continuous learning and improvement of goals. It is an integral part to meet donor reporting requirements.
Evidence collected through proper data collection tools are keys to implement action-oriented initiatives which create long term social impact.
Selecting and creating M&E tools must start with a well-defined goals and Targets.
The purpose should not only to focus on activity and outcome tracking, just to meet donner reporting requirements, but to get evidence and improving the community's outcome.
When creating the tools, it is important to consider literacy level of the users, What alternatives are there to collect the required information, give opportunities to express themselves, to open up and provide their insight, whether you need to ask the same question in different ways, whether these tools exclude anyone.
Other than basic methods of data collection such as interviews, focus group discussions, observation, photography, video, surveys, questionnaires and case studies; data may also be generated through reviewing secondary data.

This section was very interesting, I could improve my previous knowledge

it worthwhile to create a data collection zone

In this module, you will learn how to:

Distinguish between different data collection methods and select the most appropriate use for each

Understand best practices for creating clear tools and instructions to collect data on project indicators

Select appropriate data collection methods for your indicators

Design a data collection form and instructions for your own indicators

Data tools are very important in order to get proper results

Data Collection tools are tools or instruments or devices used to collect data such as questionnaire, interview, reporting, case study, survey, checklist, observation, etc.

Use an appropriate data collection tools is among the most important step for a project to succeed. It is the only way we have to collect information and use it properly for further purpose, for example for future events, courses, etc.

I find observation to be the most time friendly and cheap option for collecting 'process' data in my project

Creating data collection tools has series of step and it depends on the information you want to record or collect. Base on the the record you want to collect and your ability to understand an indicator you can create your form

how do you create data collection tools

1. How to Get Started
   Use the completed Data Collection Planning Worksheet to create a list of all data collection instruments that are required. Next determine which investigative questions will be posed to which audiences through the instruments identified. One way to facilitate this is to sort the Worksheet by its “Data Source” column and compare this with the completed Question Matrix to ensure that no items have been overlooked. Create one document for each instrument and audience, and on it list each investigative question and sub-question.
2. Next
   Consider the type of instruments you will need and plan to create all those of a similar type at the same time. For example, create all the questionnaires you will need and then move on to all interview protocols, documentation worksheets, etc. Tackling the tasks in this manner helps you leverage the work from one instrument to the next of its type. Use the Documentation Worksheet, Focus Group Worksheet, Interview Worksheet, and Questionnaire Development Worksheet to guide your work. Questionnaire items you write for CHWs can be edited slightly to become appropriate for CHW Supervisors, for instance, and so grouping the work will help you complete it more quickly.
3. Then
   Identify individuals from each data source group to serve as pilot participants for the data collection instruments you have created. It’s fine to choose those close at hand, but if there are important subgroups, or strata, among the target population it’s a good idea to pilot with each subgroup to ensure the instrument is sensitive to their differences. Once the instruments are ready the team must prepare for their use.
4. Finally
   Once the instruments are ready, the data collection team must be prepared for their use. For self-administered questionnaires provide electronic or print copy as needed to those responsible for distribution and collection. For administered instruments like surveys or interview protocols, hold a training session with data collectors to ensure they understand what each question is designed to capture, the importance of following the question language order, and how they should document the responses they receive. One effective training approach this is to have an experienced interviewer conduct a real interview in front of the collector trainees, who will follow and document the responses individually. Then compare the captured data of the experienced interviewer with that of the trainees to ensure greater consistency.

When creating data collection tools, its important to consider the following;
a. Identify who will use the tool. You have to consider the the education level of the users, whether the user has got prior experience in using the tool and how comfortable they are with using the tools.
b. The tool should focus on essential information. Do not make the tool too complicated with unnecessary information.
c. Collect metadata, this entails; 1. Title of tool 2. Version of tool 3. Who used the tool 4. Where they used the tool 5. When they used the tool

4. Pretest the tool. This will be important to help identify if the tool is working well. It will show whether you need to add or subtract any information.
5. Train staff on how to use the tool.

How can we avoid from Unrealistic Targets?

This module had me thinking about how important a Participation Form is especially the information contied within it. I have been in situations as a participant where I felt the form was either too complicated or did not have the right questions to address the issue I was facing. This module was indeed an eye opener on how to make forms that address the issues we want them to.

Hello fellow colleagues this Module is very interesting...

creating data collection tools is fundamental to understanding and monitoring information about the beneficiaries. If proper data collection tools are not created, the data collected, monitored and eventually evaluated will be faulty and hence the impact will also be improperly assessed

creating data collection tools is fundamental to understanding and monitoring information about the beneficiaries. If proper data collection tools are not created, the data collected, monitored and eventually evaluated will be faulty and hence the impact will also be improperly assessed

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Data collection is an important aspect linked to the project’s indicators and eventually the overall success of the project. With many different data collection methods, some of which require more time, money and expertise than others, creating data collection tools could be both challenging and exciting. Creating data collection tools, whether quantitative or qualitative demands a long, cyclic process involving designing and piloting the tool. An important thing I learnt in this module is that you can strategize the data collection tools such that you can measure several indicators with the same tool if those indicators involve the same method (e.g. survey or interviews, etc), source (same participants), and collection schedule (e.g. weekly/monthly/annually, etc.)

This to me is the heart of M and E role because your success depend on how much the details on the form answered your indicator list

Tracking form is essential in monitoring the project performance and reduce bias

The data collection tools must be responsive to the needs, or where indicators will address the problems or the issues. The tools must be easily understand and can be used well by the monitors.

The data collection tools must be responsive to the needs, or where indicators will address the problems or the issues. The tools must be easily understand and can be used well by the monitors.

What kind of tools do you use to collect data?

I think this is probably the most daunting task there is. A key take away for me has been the issue of avoiding adding unnecessary questions. To be honest I don't feel confident that I can design a good data collection tool right now. Especially when it comes to Surveys, Interviews and the like.

1 Formats
2 Mobiles
3, Quarrtionares
4 Conversations
5 Hotlines
6 Email Communications

This tool is very useful to collect data to track beneficiaries to his we move towards success of the project. Instructions MUST be to vlear and simple for the person who will fill it.

Must build many Participant tracking form if we want to collect other informations about a specific target of the project?

What is the most used data tool for collecting information about the capacity training impact?

It is good topic and am much better

There must be careful in creating appropriate data collection tools. Sometimes wrong or incorrect data can be collected if creating of data is not careful and as a result wrong decisions can be made on the project

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.
We must carefully decide what data collection tools will be suitable for a particular data collection methodology.

Be careful while selection of data collection tool for any particular data collection method and be aware of your audience as well

These basic tools include interviews, focus group discussions, observation, photography, video, surveys, questionnaires and case studies. Data may also be generated through direct measurement, reviewing secondary data, and informal project / programme management processes.

These basic tools include interviews, focus group discussions, observation, photography, video, surveys, questionnaires and case studies. Data may also be generated through direct measurement, reviewing secondary data, and informal project / programme management processes.

Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data. It is important to decide the tools for data collection because research is carried out in different ways and for different purposes.

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.

It is important to decide the tools for data collection because research is carried out in different ways and for different purposes. The objective behind data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed

Some underlying reasons and importance of collecting data:
Integrity of The Research

A key reason for collecting data, be it through quantitative or qualitative methods is to ensure that the integrity of the research question is indeed maintained.

Reduce the likelihood of errors

The correct use of appropriate data collection of methods reduces the likelihood of errors consistent with the results.

Decision Making

To minimize the risk of errors in decision making, it is important that accurate data is collected so that the researcher doesn't make uninformed decisions.

Save Cost and Time

Data collection saves the researcher time and funds that would otherwise be misspent without a deeper understanding of the topic or subject matter.

To support a need for a new idea, change and/or innovation

To prove the need for a change in the norm or the introduction of new information that will be widely accepted, it is important to collect data as evidence to support these claims.

Creating a data collection tool is a really detailed process that involves a lot of different steps. It is important to keep it simple and clear so that you can get the most important data.

Creating data collection tools is vital part of data management system in order to harmonize and dictates what to collect, when do we collect them and who will be collecting then in a standardize manner. It provide easy and same template to use all across during data collection.

Choosing data collection method to my understanding is based on the targets one sets and it has a budgetary implication if not done procedurally.

As you are designing a tool it is important to consider the "Who?". Who will be providing data for your survey, focus group, interview, etc.? What are their demographics? If you are doing an online survey, do the participants have access to internet? Will the surveys need to be in a certain language? Etc.

I agree with the fact that creating data tools is essential due to the fact that data must be well collected and stored. If data is not well collected you end up with very poor results.

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.
Collecting data allows you to store and analyze important information about your existing and potential customers. Collecting this information can also save your company money by building a database of customers for future marketing and retargeting efforts.

It is very important to create a data collection tool. M&E works to monitor and evaluate the project success. The question is how the data would be collected, who is going to collect data, what kinds of data is needed. when the data would be collected and what types of participants would be attend in the survey.
According to the project outcome and impact the indicator has to be set for monitoring and evaluation. while we create a data collection tools, we need to see what kinds of data we have to collect. we need to give code of each data.
after creating the data collection tool. We need to test the tool and finalize the tools for data collection.

It is very important to create a data collection tool. M&E works to monitor and evaluate the project success. The question is how the data would be collected, who is going to collect data, what kinds of data is needed. when the data would be collected and what types of participants would be attend in the survey.
According to the project outcome and impact the indicator has to be set for monitoring and evaluation. while we create a data collection tools, we need to see what kinds of data we have to collect. we need to give code of each data.
after creating the data collection tool. We need to test the tool and finalize the tools for data collection.

The approach of data collection is different for different fields of study, depending on the required information. The most critical objective of data collection is ensuring that information-rich and reliable data is collected for statistical analysis so that data-driven decisions can be made for research

The approach of data collection is different for different fields of study, depending on the required information. The most critical objective of data collection is ensuring that information-rich and reliable data is collected for statistical analysis so that data-driven decisions can be made for research

The approach of data collection is different for different fields of study, depending on the required information. The most critical objective of data collection is ensuring that information-rich and reliable data is collected for statistical analysis so that data-driven decisions can be made for research

Seriousely, it informative. This has really built my confident when it comes to M&E planning. Most especially how identify the appropriate indicators and creating data collection for my logframe.

Data collection is a systematic process of gathering observations or measurements. Whether you are performing research for business, governmental or academic purposes, data collection allows you to gain first-hand knowledge and original insights into your research problem.

While methods and aims may differ between fields, the overall process of data collection remains largely the same. Before you begin collecting data, you need to consider:

The aim of the research
The type of data that you will collect
The methods and procedures you will use to collect, store, and process the data
To collect high-quality data that is relevant to your purposes, follow these four steps.

Creating data collection tools to me largely depends on the availability of funds. This is because the best tools usually are very expensive. Considering how important it is to collect necessary and the correct data, organizations should design and use the best tools regardless of the cost.

Creating data collection tools to me largely depends on the availability of funds. This is because the best tools usually are very expensive. Considering how important it is to collect necessary and the correct data, organizations should design and use the best tools regardless of the cost.

A key reason for collecting data, be it through quantitative or qualitative methods is to ensure that the integrity of the research question is indeed maintained.

To minimize the risk of errors in decision making, it is important that accurate data is collected so that management doesn't make uninformed decisions.

Hey, learners!

Hope you and your loved ones are doing well in these uncertain times. I never thought that the Participant Tracker can be so important to track the information of the people to whom we provide services. What do you think about the this particular topic?

Hey, learners!

Hope you and your loved ones are doing well in these uncertain times. I never thought that the Participant Tracker can be so important to track the information of the people to whom we provide services. What do you think about the this particular topic?

Data collection tools should be precise and adequately measure the data they are intended to measure.

yes we do

Data collection tools I'm aware of are focus group discussion, observation and interview to collect qualitative data
While in collecting quantitative data we can use questionnaire, laboratory measurements and document review also observations.

Data collection tools I'm aware of are focus group discussion, observation and interview to collect qualitative data
While in collecting quantitative data we can use questionnaire, laboratory measurements and document review also observations.

I think it is really important to have good tools because they will be used to keep the data stored and available for the rest of the stakeholders

I think it is really important to have good tools because they will be used to keep the data stored and available for the rest of the stakeholders

Completely agree with you but I think they should be easy to use and maintain

The most important thing in the M&E cycle is to create data collection tools and the questionnaire. The tools has to simple and easy to use. The question should not be ambiguous.

I would only advise the data collection tool to be as brief and in as simple english as possible. I would also add on to adopt more closed ended question approach than open ended.

Anyone facing challenges in creating Data collection tools

Mobile data collection is way more better

Anyone using ODK as a data collection tool

Creating Data Collection tools is one of the most important element of M&E plan. The various tools helps an organization to measure, analyze and report the required and essential data of a project to the management and donors of the project.

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Creating data collection tools is complicated because you have to consider so many factors and questions. Different data collection tools have different levels of need and what you will be able to explain or rephrase if a participant is confused. It's also so important to pretest and have input from people within your target population so that you know you are accurately measuring what you want to measure in a culturally sound way.

data collecting tools are very important in gathering correct information that you can use in your M&E plan. the correct data tool will help you get relevant information.

i think the best tool would be interviews or surveys.

Waw! i learnt so much about this module. It was clear and easy to understand.

I think survey would be good to get a qualitative info like the level of satisfaction of a customer

Attendance also is a data collection tools?

Its important to take into account the population of participants you are planning to collect data from. This will help you to come up with a friendly tool.
Also the purpose of collecting data. Is it for weekly report or annual report. This will also help on which tool to use.
Participation tracking form is the best method, simple to use, less expensive, and saves time. The thing about this tool is you must know your indicators. And use the indicators to make a form and get it filled by participants of the project

A very helpful topic in deed. I didn't know about particpant tracking form works this better

Creating Data Collection Tools is most important part in planning process for monitoring and evaluation part. You may have adequate knowledge on the previous steps such as you may have clear project summary, well defined indicators and risk and assumptions...............however, in this stage you need to employ all your knowledge in practice to design data collection tools. Error in data collection designs can turn all your knowledge into no use and the project may suffer from inadequate information to support their success.

This module has really helped me in preparing my thesis questionnaire.

Supervisor Evaluation Form – 3 Months observation.docx

Data collection tools you choose to collect the data will depend on the type of data you plan on collecting (qualitative or quantitative) and how you plan to collect it. Some of the commonly used data collection tools are:
Questionnaires
Interviews
Observations
Archival documents and government sources
Laboratory experiments
Quasi experiment
Scales (measuring and weighing tapes)

data is very vital when doing monitoring and evaluation. It is therefore important to come up with proper data collecting tools that will enable us to collect the right data that we may need for the monitoring and evaluation process. Information on who we are collecting data from and who oversees he process is also vital in determine the kind of methods and data collection tools that we will use.

Creating proper data collection tool is key task on the process of data collection, because it affects the quality of data collected and, consequently, the quality of the results obtained. It is paramount to always consider the context in which the data collection is carried out. For each tool, there's a different method of implementation and it is important to be aware of the implementation dynamics. For example, respondants of a survey, interview or participants of a focus group may be influenced by the different etnicity of the interviewer/mediator. Often, in Africa common people may not feel at ease with white people, so maybe you should consider to implement the survey/interview/focus goup by a local collegue. Moreover, it is very important to consider the psycological reactions of people when they get inteviewed, nemed as "biases". A crucial bias is the "social desiderability bias", that is when people do not answer honestly, but (even unconsciously) they answer as they think they would please and impress the interviewer.

Great to be learning how to create data collection tools here. This has been a very worthwhile undertaking. I will want to know why it is imperative to have metadata for projects that are being implemented in one location and for a small number of beneficiaries

Good ideas presented in a beautiful format. The points you made in terms of the need for data collection is valid. Kudos

Discussion: Creating Data Collection Tools

It was indeed a great learning for me, specially designing the tools and testing the data collection tools prior to execute in the real field to collect the data. Now I am more clear about the Metadata and its importance.

Create data collecting are very useful for your project