Paul Mundy Collecting information Three ways to gather information for your study

Paul Mundy Types of information you need Facts and figures (data) Anecdotes (stories) Quotes Atmosphere (background) Analysis (history, significance, impact…) Significant details Illustrations (photos, drawings, graphics)

Paul Mundy Three ways to gather information Documents Interviews First-hand observation

Paul Mundy Documents  Project documents Research reports, project reports, design documents, monitoring and evaluation info…  Non-project documents Government/NGO statistics, World Bank/UN reports, books, scientific literature…  Media reports  Statements from government, donors, etc.  Statistical data  Names, photographs, supporting evidence

Paul Mundy Interviews Who to talk to  Project managers and staff People involved in the project  Movers and shakers Policy makers, government officials, business people…  The moved and the shaken People affected by problem or activity Beneficiaries, target group, local stakeholders  Experts and observers Independent specialists, researchers, academics…

Paul Mundy Interviews Decide beforehand what you want to know Listen to the subject Be flexible in your approach Take notes Be sure of names, numbers, spellings Use a tape recorder? If necessary, follow up afterwards to confirm details

Paul Mundy First-hand observation Go to the field yourself Drink in the atmosphere, gather impressions Use all five senses  Note sights, smells, sounds, feelings, taste Collect quotes Step into your readers’ shoes  What would strike them as interesting or unusual?