This document discusses mobile data collection and the advantages of using Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) over traditional Pen and Paper Interviewing (PAPI). It introduces Open Data Kit (ODK) as an open source mobile data collection platform that allows for quicker and easier data collection with real-time quality checks. ODK facilitates offline data collection with centralized data storage and repeat questions.

1. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
icarda.org cgiar.org
A CGIAR Research Center
Introduction to Mobile
Data Collection
Innocent Bikara
6th November 2019

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Why Mobile Data Collection?

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The importance of data
Data
Information:
Knowledge:
Wisdom:
Meaning
Understanding patterns & relations
Evidence-based decision making

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Data collection Approaches
PAPI
Pen and paper
interviewing
CAPI
Computer Aided
Personal Interviewing

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Advantages of CAPI
• Quicker and easier to collect, analyze and present data
• Analysis can be set up in advance; e.g data on indicators can be set up to be automatically calculated on
completion of a survey
• Reduced chance of error when inputting data (through in-built consistency checks and real-time data
quality checks)
• Logistically more handy than folders of paper
• Various data types more possible than with PAPI e.g Photos, audio, video e.t.c
• Auto capture of GPS location, date & time allows for validation of the data collection process
Why Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI)

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Mobile data collection platforms

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• Open source (free)- hence no features hidden
behind pricing tiers
• Questionnaire built in XLS or builder that are
easy and faster to use
• Offline data collection
• Data can be sent to a central server
• Allows repeats within repeats
Why Open Data Kit (ODK)

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• Variety of question types
• No limit on number of responses
• No limit on number of devices used or user
logins
• Stable data structure even when change is
made while data collection is on-going
Why Open Data Kit (ODK)