4.2 Data collection methods
A range of appropriate and participatory data collection methods should be employed in monitoring and evaluation activities. A brief summary of available methods and tools that can be used in monitoring are listed in section 4.2.1.
| Available methods | Tools and ‘how to’ guides |
| Key informant interviews |
The good enough guide, Tool 5 IFRC Guidelines for emergency assessment, Chapter 7 |
| Focus groups | The good enough guide, Tool 6 IFRC Guidelines for emergency assessment, Chapter 7 |
| Direct observation | The good enough guide, Tool 9 |
| Surveys | The good enough guide, Tool 7 |
| Indicators | The good enough guide, Tool 10 |
| Feedback and complaints systems | The good enough guide, Tool 12 A guide to the HAP Standard |
| Participatory Rural Appraisal methods, e.g. mapping, seasonal calendars, timelines, proportional piling | ALNAP The participation handbook The good enough guide |
More information on available methods can be found in Chapter 14 Assessment, Chapter 32 Quality and accountability, and Chapter 30 Participation.
In addition to the participatory data collection methods in section 4.2.1, monitoring systems should also employ methods that assist with internal review and monitoring of management systems including:
- team review meetings
- progress reviews against logframes and deliverables
- analysis of support systems including status of procurement schedules
- spot finance checks and expenditure reviews.
