Study Design
We create statistically rigorous study designs to meet your research requirements. Our end-to-end human-centered design approach puts the respondent at the center of each step of our research.
The Result: Study
Designs become Efficient, Comprehensive and Useful
We are experienced in developing statistically
rigorous study designs that can be used to calculate the effect size, test for
significance, detect prevalence levels, prove causality and confirm the
correlation.
At the same time, we understand the limits of
adopting only quantitative or qualitative data methods. Our researchers use an
innovative mixed-methods approach to gain an in-depth understanding of project
context, track changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices and understand
the program's strengths, simultaneously. We seamlessly interweave these
findings with hard numbers. At the same time, we keep an eye on the budget,
economizing through the use of data technology and balancing qualitative and
quantitative data collection services including elements without compromising
on timelines and quality.
Data Collection
We provide clean data through thorough
pre-testing, researcher involvement, bespoke training, and smart
monitoring.
During the pre-testing of tools, the
researchers accompany field workers to the data collection site where the
designated field team meticulously asks questions through cognitive interviews.
Researchers interview the respondents, asking them their thoughts if the
choice of words makes sense and if the questions are relevant.
This
knowledge is then used to create sophisticated, bespoke training that guides
field workers through potential pitfalls in data collection. A list of
inconsistencies and potential mistakes is consistently updated and used to
monitor data.
The Result: Relevant, Accurate, Clean
Data
Digital Data Collection
Collecting large volumes of data from challenging locations can be an expensive and cumbersome process. We use high tech solutions to get the job done in the most efficient way possible.
The Result: Cost-efficient, Timely,
Accurate Data
We use technology to gather large volumes of accurate and
clean data from off-the-grid, remote and challenging areas. Digital data
collection enables us to minimize the potential of human error, significantly
reduces turnaround time and brings down data entry costs to nil.
We use smartphones, tablets, and
TAPI software to conduct surveys and interviews. Our high-quality voice
recordings and professional videos of data collection and field sites can be
used for advocacy purposes. We are pioneering the use of drones and remote
sensing technology to explore the potential of geo-spatial data in social
research.
Impact Assessment
We employ a mixed-methods approach and
evidence-based procedures to conduct cross-sectoral impact evaluations.
The Result: Improved Interventions
through high-quality Assessments
Technology
is a crucial aide to gather inaccessible or unwieldy volumes of data, and it
ensures that the data is clean and accurate. Since it’s already coded in our software,
your data entry costs are reduced, and so is the turnaround time.
We
conduct impact assessments for different intervention programs for our clients
and partners. In the pre-implementation stage, we conduct needs assessments and
baseline evaluations to identify intervention areas. Once interventions go on
the ground, we undertake midline assessments and provide implementation and
monitoring support. We carry out end-line assessment studies as a part of the impact evaluations.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
It can be hard to make sense of the impact made by an intervention or understand its utility for the target stakeholders. We can help.
The Result:
Enabling Data to Maximize your Social Impact
As
specialists in monitoring and evaluation, we are skilled at identifying
indicators that enhance accountability and efficacy and enable course
correction. We also conduct statistically robust RCTs (Randomized Controlled
Trials) and Quasi-experimental study designs geared at measuring the efficacy
of interventions.
Our
evaluations don’t just measure, they seek to improve. Our monitoring and
evaluation frameworks are designed with your target beneficiaries in mind, as
we aspire to enhance social impact by providing clarity on the operation of
your intervention. We’ll also work closely with you to understand what
‘success’ means to you and build evaluations on your criteria.
Proof that your work is making an Impact
Through the impact assessments, evaluation, and reports, our work is
committed to ensuring and measuring the tangible and crucial impact of projects
through the use of robust evaluation mechanisms and in-depth reports. We
conduct baseline, midline, and final impact studies across different developmental
themes.
Our Impact
As a social enterprise, we are committed to making an impact. Here's how:
Build Demand For Data
- Deriving and promoting a rubric for Data Quality.
- Documenting our experiences and lessons through Cautionary Tales.
- Publishing and disseminating writings on Data Quality. See our Publications here.
- Build an environment to share learnings and critically reflect upon challenges in high-quality Data collection, M&E, and Social Sector Research by holding Data Conferences.
Improve Interventions
Our clients work hard to create an impact and improve the lives of those that they intend to help. OI provides strong, reliable and accurate data coupled with an astute analysis that captures our Clients' impact and sheds light on the context of their work, alongside.
Field Capacity Building
The countless hours invested by our field workers in remote, sometimes hostile areas to gather the best possible data, are foundational to our Research. OI believes in building their skills further and giving them opportunities. Get to know our hardworking field team here.
Here’s what we are doing:
- Building strong and diverse teams of field workers with contextual, regional as well as research familiarity by teaching them the basics of research.
- Giving research opportunities to the marginalized groups like women.
- Systemizing the inclusion of enumerator perceptions in the research findings.
- Updating field protocols to have them informed from the field and existing practices, both at the same time.
Democratizing Data
- Asking the right questions by creating tools that are informed by the respondent’s context through comprehensive pre-tests.
- Advocating for the dissemination of research to respondents.
- Avoiding the replication of data collection efforts and advocating for responsible data collection by informing our clients about building India's map.
- Championing ethical data collection by setting up an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Empowering cash-strapped organizations to gain insights from respondents through our self-evaluation app - TYM.
Researcher Capacity Building
- Building an environment for Research, Critical Thinking, Knowledge sharing, and Skill sharing by holding internal and external Quality Workshops.
- Advocating for the dissemination of Research to the Respondents.
- Maintaining a culture of Reflexivity, Transparency, and Introspection by conducting regular Impact Meetings.
Our Work
Epidemiological Study on Non-communicable Diseases...
Client:
University of Oxford
Geography
Bihar
Sectors
Health
Outline India was deputed by the University of Oxford to conduct an epidemiological assessment of non-communicable diseases and selected associated risk factors in a representative sample of individuals via household surveys.
This study was done to get a deeper clarity on understanding the gaps in the rural health systems in Bihar at village, block and district levels.
Documentation of the Application of Design Researc...
Client:
John Snow, Inc.
Geography
Samastipur, Bihar
Sectors
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Outline India collaborated with John Snow, Inc. for observing design research activities held in Samastipur, Bihar. The study emphasized on understanding women's knowledge and potential sources of knowledge acquisition in relation to sexual and reproductive health.
Different design research methods being used in carrying out the FGDs, KIIs and IDIs were documented. In-depth interviews with design researchers were carried out pre and post data collection to understand the objectives and outcomes of the fieldwork being carried out.
Study on Travel, Environmental Impact and Well-bei...
Client:
Prof. Andrew Mondschein, University of Virginia
Geography
Cannaught Place, New Delhi
Sectors
Mobility, Environment, Well-being, Economy
Outline India partnered with Prof. Andrew Mondschein from University of Virginia to do a survey in Delhi on Travel, Environmental impact and well-being. The purpose of the study is to understand how mobility, the environment, and well-being are distributed socio-spatially across the city. The survey was collected digitally.
Outline India was responsible for reviewing the survey along with the client. Objectives of the study were to understand the interactions between mobility, the constructed and natural environment, well-being at the individual level ;to understand these interactions in terms of perceptions, habits, socio-economic aspects and agency and to understand the divergent impacts of ‘mobility’ and ‘place’ on diverse population
Study on Save the Children’s Parenting Programmes...
Client:
Save the Children
Geography
Rajasthan, India and Kavre, Nepal
Sectors
Child well-being
Outline India was engaged in the pre-test findings of Save the Children’s Parenting Programmes in India and Nepal. Save the Children’s work in Dungarpur, India focuses on caregivers who have children from ages 12-14 years old while their work in Kavre district of Nepal, targets caregivers with children of ages 0-5 years.
As a data collection partner, Outline India undertook a quantitative pre- and post-assessment study to understand the impact of the parenting sessions developed in the Child Sensitive Social Protection (CSSP) and Child Grant (CG) programmes by Save the Children in India and Nepal respectively.
