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Data collection tool is very important because it is used for collecting the data, important information and tracking it

Creating data collection tools means understanding your projects, your participants, your team and the data you need. It helps to better understand the project in itself. it is very important to understand your project from the beginning so that this is easy to do.

Bonsoir,
Le projet porte sur la production et distribution des poulets de chair.
Quelle type de formulaire de suivi pourrai je adapter à mon projet ?

Good evening,
The project concerns the production and distribution of broilers.
What type of monitoring form could I adapt to my project?

It is important to first pre-test your data collection tool before sending it out to the respondents.

It is important to first pre-test your data collection tool before sending it out to the respondents.

I believe it is key to let respondents fill these tools on their own especially for privacy issues like health, that these are shy to talk about to any person

This module is very intriguing. Though the participant tracking form is limited to mostly humans, a second best option was not provided Incase this tool is unsuccessful in measuring the indicator.

Data collection is proposed to increase the quality of information so that inferences can be drawn and reasonable decisions can be made about what is considered factual. Primary and secondary data are the two types of data that can be obtained. The former is gathered by a researcher using first-hand sources, whereas the latter is gathered by someone other than the user. The devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or a computer-assisted interviewing system, are referred to as data collecting tools. Case studies, checklists, interviews, and occasionally observation, as well as surveys or questionnaires, are all used to collect data.

Hallo, I am Ronewa from South Africa
I would like to know about CREATING DATA COLLECTION FORM, Do i have to design my own or i must use the temple given?

Thank you

The data collection tools have to be created based on guiding indicators. from the identified indicators, then come the relevant information to be captured by designed tool. Additionally, the tools should be clear on who is fill and from whom to be administered. The clarity of the tool enables the user to collect appropriate information, and it should be stated in the summary. before using any tool for final exercise, it is crucial to undertake initial pre testing to see whether the tool is satisfactorily responding to its objective, or if there are still improvements to be made.

How do you create a data collection tool?
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

How do you create a data collection tool?
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

actually the topic is interesting, I have leant more and grasp huge knowledge in data collection methods and the way to create the good data collection tools

TJ Participant Tracking Form (Version 1:1)


I've found that it can be difficult to collect accurate data when you are relying on the cooperation and communication of others, for instance if you were working on a school project but required both qualitative and quantitative data from teaching staff in order to determine the success of the project. Are there ways around this/any advice? Should there be a service level agreement in some situations at initial stages to ensure that people cooperate where necessary?

Creating Data Collection Tools is an essential step to monitor and evaluate your project. We have to wisely consider the meta data, essential data to be recorded and the targeted scope of people to fill in. There are many data collection methods. Some of them are expensive and time consuming and others are less expensive and time consuming. We have to use simple language and easy instructions.Participants tracking form is the most commonly used.

In any project it is critical that data collection be included. without data which is concrete I must admit that the project indicators will be based on assumptions, leading to biased project. thus this module is very important to current and future project managers and monitoring and evaluation teams. It is such serious because it will encourage donors to continue supporting the project because they have facts and evidence about the progress of the project.

a nice concept covered here in this module. it motivates the donors to continue supporting the project. it eliminates all biases and rectifies any assumptions made.

data collection tools enable monitoring and evaluation experts to keep track of their projects progress which is a good thing.

The topic was very constructive to our use of tools in data collection.

Knowing the right and specific data collection tools to use for the log framework assists in achieving the overall goals of the study. The data collection method is supposed to address the indicators that one intends to address, and the most qualified facilitators have to be trained to administer the tools properly adhering to the ethics of research in the process.

HELLO THIS WAS GREAT AS I AM NEW TO THIS. ANY ADVICE FOR ME

The use of indicators it is not a case of "more are better". It is important to be precise about what information you need to make decisions; which indicators will give you enough information to make decisions; and balance those concerns against the time and effort used to collect , analyse and store this information.

how to create data collection tools
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

Data collection tools should be specific , brief , easy to fill , and most importantly containing only questions related to the indicators and a little metadata

The decision on which exact data collection tool to be used always depends on the method that you will use to collect data, the data type that you are to collect and the amount and quality of data that you want to collect.

Is anyone aware of any platform where best practice on Data Collection Tools can be reviewed

I am currently a statistics student. Recently I have learned about a data collection method called the Delphi method. It can be very useful for collecting qualitative data.

Series of charts, maps, and diagrams designed to collect, interpret, and present data for a wide range of applications and industries.

series of charts, maps, and diagrams designed to collect, interpret, and present data for a wide range of applications and industries

Creating Data collection tools

It is very key to understand the necessity of data collection, this is what enables the overall observation of activities impact.

7 Steps of data collection
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

Many different methodologies can be used for data collection and analysis. Most are based around a core set of basic tools. These include interviews, focus group discussions, observation, photography, video, surveys, questionnaires and case studies.

The steps for collecting data are as follows
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

One of the first aspects you need to consider is what type of data will best meet your needs. The type of data you choose to collect - quantitative or qualitative - is in part dependent on what you want to know about your program. Because there are advantages and disadvantages to both quantitative and qualitative data, many evaluations rely on a mix of the two.

There are many different tools for collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Questionnaires, observations, focus groups, and interviews are among some of the most commonly used techniques.

deciding when, and from which groups data should be collected, offers a straight forward discussion of several major issues to consider when designing an evaluation

What are Tips for qualitative case study data management?

This is a great module and it has played a very big role in the construction of the know how with regard to the selection of data collection methods.

This is true, pre-test of your tool will help you to identify whether your tool is capable of collecting the type of data you and your team are seeking for.

This is a process on its own. It requires an understanding of the topic you are trying to evaluate.

Creating data collection tools means understanding your projects, your participants, your team and the data you need. It helps to better understand the project in itself. it is very important to understand your project from the beginning so that this is easy to do.

The process of creating data collection tools is intuitive and one should always have their indicators at the top of their head when designing tools to measure. It is also an iterative process with lots of back and forth to ensure that tools are adaptable to the data collectors and also respondents.

The documents are great tools for gathering information.

bolded text

For common relief and development indicators, most of the humanitarian organizations use indikit, since it provides lists for many data collection tools.
So even for the learners, it's very important to try to access it online so that we get used to it.

Wonderful explanation. It's actually true.
Most M&E expert are failing to collect the right information because after designing the right form, I mean collection tools, they don't give time to train the people who gonna use them in the field.
It's really important to consider all the steps as you elaborate.
I appreciate explanation.
Thanks.

It's true. But don't you think it would be more relevant if we had said document review tool?

You have brought it rightly. Those are the things to always consider. Each and every step is important.
As if they work together to form a bond for neat work.

Yes! Creating a participant Tracking form is an independent process but depends more on the other modules as well.
I suggest they work like puzzles.

Data collection seems something very easy but it's not when the data collection tools aren't designed properly.
It can become cheap and time consuming for any organization.

Data plays an important role in the operations of different NGOs. The importance of data collection for NGOs: Collection of data helps in identifying various shortfalls and gives insights to NGOs operating in the Humanitarian, Agriculture, Governance, Health, and others sections. 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 posed questions. 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.

Why it very important to always pre-test the tools we design before we use them for the actual purpose?

Elaborate explanation.
Data collection is intended to at least cover wide range, that's depending on the purpose of the data, it's better to have it have wide coverage to reduce biasness and increase degree of confidentiality.

Data Collection tools of any type ,either participant Tracking Form or even sophisticated interview guide are very important and necessary in data collection.
One can create their own data collection tools or use an existing tool that is already created , especially if the indicator is already used in other projects.
It is necessary to follow the laid down tips for creating a perfect data collection tool for your project. These tips are : 1.) To identify who will use the too. 2.)Focus on essential information 3.)Collect metadata. 4.)Pre test your tool. 5.)Train staff to use the tool and include instructions.

Do we have to create a Participant Tracking Form for each indicator separately or we can cover all indicators in a single form?

Creating Data Collection Tool come after you develop a data collection plan.
To create Data Collection Tool you start by using a 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.

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.

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.

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.

Data Collection In general, there are several methods for data collection and the different data collection methods provided its own advantages and disadvantages (Sekaran 2003, p. 223). For carrying out the data collection, the appropriate methods should be applied. In the research, the data collection could be done through the interview, for example, face-to-face and telephone interview. To collect the data by using interview technique, the questionnaire is commonly employed as the instrument

Creating Data Collection tools

I think we need to create a stakeholder mapping plan in order to ease the data collection, because it will help us to understand the right source of data and help us to collect accurate data as required.

Tool should be simple and easy to use for you data collectors.

I also think that multiple methods of data collection can be used.

The six steps of creating a participant tracking form is extremely helpful. I think about it as another way to put ideas clearly out on paper, to track, and to monitor.

These tools are very important they are used to collect data which will be information that can be used to measure how well a project performed, if it achieved its goals and what challenges were faced.
In creating these tools one must consider which tool can be used by whom and how often the tools can be used how practical and efficient it is.
The tool must be practical easy to use and reliable.

Yes the tool helps in Monitoring And evaluation.

@Ketty254 said in Module 4 Discussion: Creating Data Collection Tools:

Data Collection tools of any type ,either participant Tracking Form or even sophisticated interview guide are very important and necessary in data collection.
One can create their own data collection tools or use an existing tool that is already created , especially if the indicator is already used in other projects.
It is necessary to follow the laid down tips for creating a perfect data collection tool for your project. These tips are : 1.) To identify who will use the too. 2.)Focus on essential information 3.)Collect metadata. 4.)Pre test your tool. 5.)Train staff to use the tool and include instructions.
Its important to understand who will use the tool and if they need training. Meta data is also very helpful

data collection tools shoud ensure that the tool is appropriate to gather the intended data for an indicator. it should be validated or tested before the actual data collection. data collectors should be well trained

creating collection tool and testing it before the final distribution or validation is a key to ensure data quality or gathering the right data for measuring an
indicator

it is a great from made monitoring the indictor which relevant in easer and the quietly of data collecting

I think creating data collections tool depend on the type of project. It is also important to note that, there are many things to consider when you are creating your tools in a case of a project that needs daily, weekly and monthly monitoring and Evaluation...

Best way to create data collection tools.

Data is the key to making informed decisions. It is important that the tools one chooses are easy to use because they are a critical part of understanding if change happened. Always have the user in mind whenever you design data collection tools.

The following information should be mind during creating data collection tools.
Primary data collection should be quantitate and qualitive information and basic three information should be available in any type of data that is Person, Place and time records. When we are developing tool for data collection we need field pilot before enrolled in big audience. the definition and terminology should be same in format and SOP. The method of data collection like Google survey form, use third party software, traditional method on white paper etc.

Most are based around a core set of basic tools. These 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.

we must consider the relevant information

Absolutely yes

While creating data collection tools, we should be considering:

1. User: Who will be using the tool, who will be collecting data? Education level of the user, experience of the user collecting similar data and their comfort level using this type of tool should be considered. If the user is inexperienced, the instructions should be detailed and clear; if the user is experienced, like an M&E specialist, the instructions can be more sophisticated.
2. We should focus on the essential information; the ones that are critical for the indicators, such as; age, gender, location.
3. We should make sure that metadata should be recorded on the form, with clear instructions for the user in a separate form; the information like user's name, title, the version of the tool, date and the location. Metadata should be at the top of the form.
   4)After metadata, the data that measures the indicators should go into a table, with several columns and rows; whatever is critical for that indicator should be written like, name, age, gender, location, etc.
   5)If we choose to use codes like; "M" for Male "F" for Female, or "Y" for Yes or "N" for No, or the codes that we choose to specify several locations, we should write them down at the bottom of the form.
4. We should use a separate page for detailed instructions for the user like; frequency of the form to be filled in, metadata that they will be filling in, before and after the session or workshops what to fill in, the abbreviations that will be used, the reasons that needs to be recorded and where and when / how to enter and file these forms.
5. After we create our form, we should either test in the field or by imagining that the form is filled with made-up information and ask a colleague to go through it with us in order to find out if there is any missing or wrong information.
6. While we test the form, if we find out missing or wrong information, then we should revise the form before we send it to the field officers.

This goes as smoothly as spreading butter if the logical framework is intact

do we considere questinaires as a too for data collection. means closed and open handed questionairs.

A well-designed data collection tool is important to ensure that data collected are reliable and complete to aid us in making the accomplishment reports and in evaluating the overall success of the project.

Creating tools is key and I have learnt that perfecting one tool to help the project can be of great help and give better results

Creating tools is key and I have learnt that perfecting one tool to help the project can be of great help and give better results

It is important to have information at your finger tips when developing a data collection tool and also knowing the right questions to ask for you to capture the required information

Before designing the data collecting tool, we have to understand the indicators that are to be set in the tool and 5W, 1H to be followed.
The tool to be tested first, to check whether it is meeting our need, or is there anything missing that we can add.
Tool must be so simple that a common man with few tips/sensitization can use it with passion.

This module gives clear idea to select tools to collect the data as per the organization need. it also emphasizes the different types of tools and their usage for collecting the data on the basis of target audience(respondents)

Wow, module four is awesome because the knowledge on data collection tools have been elaborated indetails and also the video has done all.

The module four was awesome, i cant wait do complete my asignments.

also it makes the M&E team being aware about the job that should be done.

To ensure that you are creating and using the fewest tools, it is good you group your indicators into collections that can be measured with the same tool. A group of indicators can be measured with the same tool if they share the same data collection method, source and collection schedule.

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.

Can questionnaires be categorized as data collection tool?

the tips involved for creating data collection tool are
. identifying who will use this tool
. Focusing in the essential information. keep your tool simple by focusing on the data that you need to measure your indicator.
. Collect Metadata, this is the information that explains how your data was collected. this metadata will help your M&E trace information bac to its source and also important for ensuring data quality.
. Train staff to use the tool. this avoids the different interpretation that people will have on your form, when this happens, the data that will be collected will be inconsistent and inaccurate.
it is okay to take your previous used tool to ask for feedback from users to now how comfortable are using the tool

In creating a data collection tool it is important to know the indicators you are trying to measure and as such the tool should be designed to measure your indicators appropriately. It should be simple but yet concise. In creating a good tool for data collection, the people who will use the tool should be identified, this will help create a tool according to their expertise and literacy, the tool should contain essential information only, metadata and should be pretested, train the staff on how to use and it should contain instructions for use. It is also important to revise the tools and make necessary adjustments with the feedback from pretesting.

There tips that helps one to create vibrant data collection tools which are but not limited to:

1. Identification of the tool user
2. Focus on essential information.
3. Collect metadata.
   One should also note that data collection tools are used for different data collection methods.