Measurement and Survey Design
In this course, participants learn what information is needed to answer their policy or research questions, how to design good survey instruments, how to pilot and refine a survey, and how to develop field protocols.
Surveys are a widely used and versatile tool for collecting information in order to design policy and conduct research.
Many factors contribute to ensuring that the recorded information is reliable and accurate. J-PAL South Asia offers a three-day course for researchers and evaluation specialists from different disciplines and others seeking to learn how to strengthen their survey instruments to collect more accurate and meaningful data.
In this course, participants learn what information is needed to answer their policy or research questions, how to design good survey instruments, how to pilot and refine a survey, and how to develop field protocols. Topics covered include:
- Developing a theory of change to map the causal pathway of a program
- Using a theory of change to inform the selection of indicators
- Creating accurate and precise measurements, particularly for hard-to-measure concepts or sensitive information
- Designing a digital survey questionnaire
- Piloting and refining the survey instrument
- Designing an effective field survey plan
- Strategies to mitigate measurement error
Upcoming dates
2 - 6 August | New Delhi, India (Live via Zoom)
Participant testimonials
Sample agenda
| Day 1 | |
| Session 1 | Measuring impact well: The importance of good data This session introduces participants to the fundamental concepts of measuring impact through randomized evaluations. The session will explore the motivations for using randomized evaluations, as well as the basic methodology. It will also highlight the importance of using high quality data to measure impact. |
| Session 2 | Theory of change This session dives into the Theory of Change framework. It covers the basic steps of creating a Theory of Change and walks participants through the use of the framework to inform indicator selection for development programs. |
| Session 3 | Measuring better: What to measure and how? This session introduces participants to the theoretical underpinnings of precise and accurate measurement. During this session, participants will learn about creating accurate and precise measurements (SMART indicators), particularly for concepts that are ‘hard to measure’. Additionally, the session will also touch upon selecting the right indicators based on the questions the evaluation is seeking to answer. |
| Session 4 | Measurement context: Commonly used indicators in specific sectors This session introduces participants to indicators commonly used for measuring outcomes related to specific sectors and the intuition behind the use of these indicators. Previous courses have focused on sectors such as social welfare, health, gender, and education. This session will also touch upon innovative strategies that can be used for measuring sensitive topics in the highlighted sectors. |
Fee structure
| Organization type | Course fee (service tax extra, as applicable) |
| Developed country government, foundation, academic or research institution, for-profit organization, international organization Multilateral/bilateral organization |
INR 60000 |
| Developed country nonprofit Developing country for-profit/foundation |
INR 40000 |
| Developing country government, academic or research institution, nonprofit | INR 30000 |
Fee includes tuition for the three-day training with lunch, tea, and coffee as well as all course materials.
*The fees for the 2021 edition of MSDC will differ, as the course will take place virtually.