EPISODE-8: Data & Information

EPISODE-8: Data & Information

Does data & information same?

No, data and information are not same. Data are simply facts or figures bits of information, but not information itself. When data are processed, interpreted, organized, structured or presented so as to make them meaningful or useful, they are called information.

Difference Between data & information?

Demarcation	Data	Information
Refers to	Raw	Analyzed
In terms of	Number, letters or a set of characters	Ideas & Inferences
Collected via	Measurements, experiments etc.	Linking data and making inferences
Presented in	A structure such as tabular data, data tree	Language, ideas, and thoughts based
Analysis	Not analyzed	Analyzed
Meaning	Carries no specific meaning	Carries meaning interpreting by data
Definition	Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analyze	Facts provided or learned about something someone

Manual and digital data collection!

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Area	Digital Data Collection	Paper Based Data Collection
STAFF, TRAINING AND SKILLS	Staff should have both data collection and basic computer skill	Staff should have to need data collection skill
	Staff must need training on data collection and tab operating	Staff need only data collection training
	Recruitment and training typically take longer time	Recruitment and training is comparatively straightforward
LOGISTICS AND DEVICE	Need more logistics like tab, backup system, software etc.	Only questionnaire
	Need to strong security management and back up support in case of malfunction of any device during data collection	No need only need extra questionnaire
	Charge back up may be needed in case of long interview and audio questionnaire	No need
DATA VALIDATION AND DATA ACCURACY	Data collection and data entry are doing at time that positively impacts survey action plan	After collection data it takes longer time to enter all
	When enumerator submit the form to the tab it automatically count the time when it has been submitted (Real Time data)	Enumerator can change the data collection time and date if they want
	Data validation inbuilt with the data collection software which does not allow invalid data	Enumerator have a chance to put invalid data in printed questionnaire
	Backcheck can be performed day to day even possible hour to hour from any place	It is difficult. Need to collect all questionnaire
COST & VIABILITY	Though the electronics devices such as notebooks, tablets are getting cheaper, buying the devices are expensive	Paper base survey entail less cost for data collection, higher overall cost
	There is no cost for data entry	High cost for data entry. Need to many resource investment
	Electronics survey combines many steps into one. That is why nowadays it is the viable option for most of the user	Manual system have many steps and time, cost, other involvement. This is not so popular and viable currently.

Field Test & Piloting:

After developing tools and before going to data collection we need to field test and piloting of tools to find out the limitation and problem having the tools. It may need to troubleshoot to finalize the tools as well.

Data Collection Plan:

1.           Time- How much time you may need to collect your desired data

2.         Human Resource- How many manpower you may need

3.   Logistics- Different types of logistics; Questionnaire/Tab, Clipboard, pen, pencil, recorder, camera, notepad etc.

4.         Field mapping- Make a road mapping for field visit during data collection so that enumerator can easily meet with respondent.

5.         Consent from Govt. Authority- Before going data collection you need to take a consent from govt. authority so that you can get any support is required for any emergency.

6.         Risk Mitigation Plan- You have to make a proper plan with your full research team to meet risk mitigation plan for any kind of emergency situation.

7.          Security Briefing- A basic security briefing is highly appreciated for each data collection team.

8.         Identity of Enumerator- It is very important to provide a legal document/evidence in enumerator’s hand from research team; the best option is to provide an ID Card during data collection; it can help them from different challenges.

9.         Gender Balance Team- It will be fine if you make a gender-balanced team. It will support you when you collect data from the female respondent, especially sensitive information.

Data Collection Method:

You can collect both qualitative and quantitative data using different tools depending on your requirements.

Data Collection Tools & Techniques:

Qualitative- Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII), Observation, Individual Interview, Onside Visual Inspection

Quantitative- HH Survey, Telephone Survey, Email Survey, In-person Survey

Data Quality:

Data collection > Computerization & transmission > Data Cleaning > Data Control Checking > Confidentiality > Data Analysis > Result Produce

Database Design:

If we collect manual/paper-based data collection then we have to develop a database to data entry onto the computer. When we collect online data using tab or notebook automatically data entry to the server. So in this case we do not need to develop any database.

Data Analysis:

After collecting and quality checking of data we need to analyze data. We have many options to analyze data. Nowadays researcher usually like different statistical software for data analysis like MS EXCEL, SPSS, STATA, ATLAS, MATLAB and many more.

Preparing Report:

After data analysis, we need to make tabulation and prepare an analytical report. It depends on our data and information type how look like the report is.