Measurement and Survey Design Course 2021

CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia’s Measurement and Survey Design Course (MSDC) 2021 is a five-day course that provides a thorough, step-by-step introduction to basic concepts in measurement theory and quantitative survey design. Applications are due by June 30, 2021 at 11:59pm IST.

For students: Please note that CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia is offering scholarships to two (2) students currently enrolled in full-time undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies to attend the Measurement and Survey Design Course 2021.

About the Course

MSDC 2021 is a virtual course that introduces participants to foundational concepts within measurement theory and quantitative survey design. It draws upon J-PAL South Asia’s vast experience in running randomized evaluations that involve extensive primary data collection.

MSDC employs an array of pedagogical tools including lectures, supplemental case studies, and experiential exercises to explore the process of designing and implementing effective survey questionnaires that yield high-quality data. The following key concepts are covered:

• Creating accurate and precise measurements (SMART indicators), particularly for concepts that are ‘hard to measure’
• Sources of measurement error and strategies to mitigate them
• A step-by-step guide to designing a quantitative survey
• The advantages and disadvantages of paper and digital data collection
• Best practices for piloting survey instruments
• Considerations when designing field protocols to ensure survey quality, including structuring and training a field team
• Real-world examples from J-PAL randomized evaluations of collecting quantitative data on topics such as education, health, gender, etc.
• Understanding and using the Theory of Change framework to inform indicator selection
• Guidelines for, and examples of, remote data collection

Please note that while this course will touch on impact evaluation methods, the focus of this course is not impact evaluation methodology. If you are interested in pursuing a CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia training on impact evaluations, please apply to our course on Evaluating Social Programs. 

MSDC 2021 is a five-day virtual course and will be conducted from 10:00am to 3:00pm daily.

Review this sample agenda to determine the applicability of the course content to your learning objectives.  This is a sample agenda provided for reference only. The final agenda for the 2021 course may vary.

Please note that the level of this course is basic to intermediate. It is intended for individuals who are looking to build their foundational understanding of the above concepts.

Who can apply?

The course delves into the practical and theoretical aspects of collecting data and is tailored to benefit individuals who are involved in data collection efforts at their respective organizations or commission data collection to external organizations. The course is specifically intended for researchers, M&E professionals, students, and other individuals looking to build and/or refresh their knowledge of fundamental skills for collecting primary quantitative data.

The Measurement and Survey Design course has run since 2015 and has included participants from organizations such as Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, BRAC, British Council, CARE India, Clinton Health Access Initiative, NITI Aayog, Oxford Policy Management, Pratham, Population Council, TATA Sustainability Group, and WaterAid, among others.

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2021, 11:59pm IST.

Student Scholarships

CLEAR/J-PAL SA is offering scholarships to two (2) students to attend MSDC 2021. The scholarship consists of a full fee waiver and is open only for individuals who are currently enrolled in full-time undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies. 

Please note that CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia will award no further funds beyond the above scholarship.