Facilitator’s notes: 5.1.2
Choosing data collection methods
Objective
 Identify considerations in choosing data collection methods
 Practice linking choice of data collection methods to type of information required and
contextual considerations

Timing
1 hr 20 min to 2 hrs 40 minutes
Activities
1
Introduction
Introduce the objectives of the session.
Assign the following core content sheets as preparatory reading:
 Choosing data collection methods
 Overview of data collection methods
2
Plenary brainstorm and discussion
Criteria for choosing data collection methods

20’
Objective: Identify considerations in choosing data collection methods.
Recall the criteria for judging the methods and tools discussed in Session 5.1.1. Highlight that
in addition to the technical criteria several practical and even political considerations come into
play.
Invite participants to brainstorm on things they have considered or might consider in choosing
data collection methods and write them on a flipchart. Draw out the points covered in the core
content sheet “Choosing data collection methods”. Draw out from participants or provide
examples for each consideration, including specific issues for data collection in crisis or
unstable contexts.
3
Optional: Small group work
Overview of data collection methods

Objective: Understand and can compare a wide range of qualitative and quantitative
1hr 20’ methods.
Note, depending on the flow of the training you design, you may cover sessions on the key
methods first, in which case this overview is not necessary. Otherwise it is necessary to
ensure a basic understanding of a wide range of methods as a reference for the next activity.
Step 1. Small group work (20 minutes)
Divide participants into 10 groups, one for each data collection method in core content sheet
“Overview of data collection methods”. Assign a method to each group and the following
task:
Facilitator’s notes. Choosing data collection methods - Page 1/3
For the method assigned to you:
1. Prepare a very brief explanation of what it is for other participants (i.e. a threesentence explanation)
2. Come up with an example of a data collection question that you think this method
would be appropriate for. The data collection question should fit in terms of the level of
precision and the degree of probing the method allows. Draw from your experience
where possible.
3. Describe the context in which you think that this would be the best method. Consider
time, skills and $ required, etc.
Be prepared to give a very short presentation on this, 3 minutes at most, with one flipchart
as a reference.
Step 2. Presentations to plenary (50 minutes)
Ask all groups to post their flipcharts on the wall. Have each group present with all the
participants gathered around. After each group, invite questions and additional examples of
how the method could be used.
4
Group case study exercise
Choosing data collection methods

60’
Objective: Practice linking choice of data collection methods to type of information
required and contextual considerations.
This activity can build on group work from Module 3, Session 5, “Linking data collection to
decision-making needs” taking the examples of hierarchies of research questions.
Alternatively, a selection of cases is provided.
Step 1. Group case study exercise (20 minutes)
Divide participants into groups of 5 to 8 and hand out group exercise sheets, either using the
group work from Module 3 or the new case study exercises provided with this session.
The groups can all work on different cases or the same depending on the focus of the training.
Step 2. Reporting session (40 minutes)
Bring the groups back together to report to plenary. Where groups have covered the same
case, invite one group to present the results of their discussion and the subsequent groups to
integrate any additional or different points that emerged from their discussion.
Lead participants to identify key differences in the considerations necessary in choosing data
collection methods in crisis and unstable contexts. Where groups have not covered a case
based in a crisis or unstable context, invite them to consider how their choices might have
differed. To aid the discussion, recall or describe some of the key factors in such contexts —
time pressures, insecurity, trauma, etc. — as covered in core content sheet "Constraints and
concerns in data collection". Where groups have covered both stable and unstable contexts,
evaluation and assessment, lead an analysis of how the considerations for selecting methods
have differed.
Note competing considerations. For example, level of precision of data required and financial
resources are two considerations that often need to be balanced.
Conclude re-emphasising the advantages of mixing methods.
Facilitator’s notes. Choosing data collection methods - Page 2/3
Materials

Flipchart and pens
Overhead

Handout
 Choosing data collection methods
 Overview of data collection methods
Exercise sheets
 Case study exercise: dropout from primary school
 Case study exercise: assessment of population affected by natural disaster
 Case study exercise: assessment of internally displaced population
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