Surveys

• collect quantitative and qualitative data
• require careful design in the wording of questions and response options
• are usually done online or on paper, in a school context
• allow generalisation to the broader population of interest, if the sampling has been done carefully.

The surveys page has tips on sampling strategies, survey formats, questionnaire design, inviting people to participate and organising and analysing survey data.

Interviews and focus groups

• collect qualitative data from individuals or small groups
• require careful attention to the questions, setup and facilitation to ensure participants feel comfortable and relaxed
• provide large amounts of data, rich in context and stories.

The interviews and focus groups page has tips on setting the scope, designing the questions, facilitation and interviewing skills and organising and analysing the data.

Observation

• collects quantitative and qualitative data
• requires careful attention to the questions to be answered and the particular behaviours or attributes of interest
• can be a less obtrusive way to collect data.

The observation page has tips on setting the scope and approach, preparing the tools and people, documenting observations and organising and analysing the data.