Data Collection Method Selector
Answer four questions and get recommended data collection methods matched to your needs
What Do You Need to Learn?
From Whom?
Budget
Time Until You Need Answers
Other Conditions
Matches
Answer the first two questions and the methods appear here, best fit first.
Methods at a Glance
| Method | Type | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Household SurveyStructured questionnaire administered to households to measure indicators like food security, WASH access, health status, or livelihoods. | Quantitative | High |
| Focus Group Discussion (FGD)Facilitated group discussion (6-12 participants) exploring perceptions, experiences, and community dynamics around a topic. | Qualitative | Medium |
| Key Informant Interview (KII)Semi-structured interview with individuals who have specialized knowledge (program staff, community leaders, government officials). | Qualitative | Medium |
| Direct ObservationSystematic observation of practices, conditions, or service delivery using a structured checklist. | Observation | Medium |
| Service Delivery ObservationStructured observation of service delivery points (clinics, schools, distribution sites) to assess quality and adherence to standards. | Observation | Medium |
| Health Facility AssessmentComprehensive assessment of health facility readiness, including infrastructure, staffing, supplies, and service availability. | Mixed | High |
| Site Visit ChecklistQuick structured checklist for monitoring visits to verify activity completion, infrastructure status, or program presence. | Observation | Low |
| Food Consumption Score SurveyStandardized survey measuring dietary diversity and food frequency at the household level (WFP FCS methodology). | Quantitative | Medium |
| WASH Household SurveySurvey measuring water access, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices at household level, aligned with JMP indicators. | Quantitative | Medium |
| Livelihoods Coping Strategy SurveySurvey measuring household coping strategies in response to food insecurity or economic shocks (WFP LCSI methodology). | Quantitative | Medium |
| Protection Risk Assessment SurveyAssessment of protection risks, safety perceptions, and access to services for vulnerable populations. | Mixed | High |
| School Enrollment SurveyFacility-level data collection on enrollment, attendance, and basic education indicators. | Quantitative | Medium |
| Learning Outcomes AssessmentDirect assessment of learner competencies in literacy, numeracy, or subject-specific knowledge. | Quantitative | High |
| Infrastructure Quality AssessmentStructured assessment of infrastructure condition and quality (water points, roads, buildings, latrines). | Observation | Medium |
| Beneficiary InterviewSemi-structured interview with program participants to understand their experience, satisfaction, and perceived changes. | Qualitative | Low |
| Community Leader InterviewSemi-structured interview with community leaders to understand community perspective on program activities and outcomes. | Qualitative | Low |
| Government/Stakeholder InterviewSemi-structured interview with government officials or partner stakeholders to assess coordination, sustainability, and policy alignment. | Qualitative | Low |
| Program Staff InterviewSemi-structured interview with program implementation staff to understand operational challenges, adaptations, and lessons learned. | Qualitative | Low |
How It Works
- Define Your NeedTell us what kind of information you need: quantitative data, qualitative understanding, or both.
- Set Budget, Time and ConditionsPick your budget and how soon you need answers, and add any other conditions, such as hard-to-reach or sensitive topics.
- Get RecommendationsReceive a ranked list of methods with pros, cons, and effort levels to inform your decision.
Need Help Designing Your Data Collection? Our advisory services help M&E teams select and adapt data collection methods to their specific program context and constraints. See services or talk to us.