Evidence Monitoring and evaluation can both be conducted using quantitative or qualitative methods – or through a combination of the two. Given the complementary benefits of both approaches, a mixed method approach is likely to be most effective.
Quantitative M&E: Generates and analyses numerical data, often through methods such as surveys with closed-ended questions. It is valuable to get an overall picture across a large number of participants, especially in terms of understanding whether certain types of change are occurring – and the scale of any change. It can also identify differences between groups based on varied characteristics.
Qualitative M&E: Generates and analyses varied data, including audio, words and pictures through methods such as focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions and participatory approaches. It is valuable to explore how and why change has or has not happened and to understand people’s experiences and perspectives in greater depth. This includes providing space for people to describe unintended consequences of programs.
Mixed method M&E: Generates and analyses a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. These two data types may come from the same method, for example a survey with a combination of closed and open-ended questions (allowing respondents to answer in their own words. They can also be generated through separate methods e.g.. combining a survey and FGDs.
It is important to analyse quantitative and qualitative findings together, comparing and combining them in order to strengthen overall findings. Sequencing M&E activities can support this. For example, initial qualitative data may be collected and analyzed to inform the development of an appropriate quantitative survey tool. The survey may then be conducted and the quantitative data analyzed. These emerging findings can then inform further qualitative data collection to explore and explain findings in greater depth. The combined findings are then presented together when reported, giving a more nuanced picture.
To note:
It is important to budget and plan for the fact that quantitative and qualitative M&E require very different skill sets. These different skills will be needed from initial design stage and throughout in order to support robust data collection, analysis and reporting.
