Within your evaluation design there are a range of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and tools which you and/or your evaluation team can use.
Some points to keep in mind when selecting data collection methods:
▪Experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation designs will require the use of a quantitative survey. Although this may be the main source of data for these designs, you can also use a range of other quantitative and qualitative methods alongside the survey. Similarly, you can also use quantitative surveys as part of other evaluation designs, including collecting data on prevalence to track change over time.
▪The data collection tools you and your evaluator use might be bespoke – specifically designed for your program evaluation. They may also be adapted versions of existing tools which have already been used elsewhere (see slide on existing quantitative tools). Even if using data collection tools which have been developed for use in similar programs in different contexts, you still need to tailor them to ensure they are appropriate, relevant and safe to use in the local contexts in which your program is being delivered.
▪Ethics needs to be considered in every aspect of your M&E but it is perhaps most important when it comes to collecting data. It is possible that you, your funders, or the evaluators you work with, may want to use certain data collection methods, perhaps because they are ones which you are most familiar with or because they are considered innovative. However, it is vital that the primary consideration when selecting data collection methods is whether they will be safe to use for a VAW prevention program. You will also need to consider what methods will make people feel most comfortable to share information – especially if you will be asking them about their experiences of violence.
