Data Collection at IPA
IPA employs various data collection methods to ensure comprehensive and high-quality research. This section provides guidance on the main data collection approaches and implementation protocols including in-person surveys, phone surveys, WhatsApp data collection, administrative data, and qualitative methods.
Data Collection Methods
In-person surveys remain the gold standard for detailed data collection. Through face-to-face interviews, enumerators can build rapport with respondents, observe behavioral cues, and collect complex information that may be difficult to obtain through other methods. In-person surveys remain the gold standard for detailed data collection. Through face-to-face interviews, enumerators can build rapport with respondents, observe behavioral cues, and collect complex information that may be difficult to obtain through other methods.
Phone surveys are a cornerstone of data collection at IPA. Voice and text-based phone surveys offer a cost-effective and adaptive method to gather high-quality data, especially in contexts where in-person surveys are impractical. Phone surveys are a cornerstone of data collection at IPA. Voice and text-based phone surveys offer a cost-effective and adaptive method to gather high-quality data, especially in contexts where in-person surveys are impractical.
WhatsApp has become a powerful tool for data collection, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and user-friendly alternative to traditional survey methods.
This resource provides a quick guide on obtaining and using nonpublic administrative data for randomized evaluations.
Qualitative research methods provide invaluable insights into human experiences, behaviors, and systems that drive change. These approaches help bridge the gap between quantitative data and the realities of individuals and communities participating in research studies.