Module B1 Session 16.ppt

SADC Course in Statistics

The role of enumerators in Statistical Data collection

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Introduction

• Enumerators are the most important category of staff in the statistical data collection process. Why?

• They are in direct contact with respondents and thus have a great bearing on the quality of data collected and ultimately on the quality of statistical products coming out of the National Statistical Office.

• Their input can never be over emphasised in the evidence-based decision making process that is being implemented by/within the SADC member states.


Duties of enumerators

Duties of enumerators can be broadly

classified into the following categories:

• Pre–enumeration duties

• During enumeration duties

• Post-enumeration duties


Pre–enumeration duties

• Attend training courses, that is, training of enumerators’ workshop

• Receiving enumeration materials and equipment from the supervisor

• Develop an enumeration schedule/itinerary • Be familiar with the EA and the household/holding

that he has been assigned to interview• Checks and amend the EA map where necessary,

and inform the supervisors of any changes


During enumeration duties

The core of the enumerator’s task is to:

1. locate (or select) his/her sample members

2. obtain interviews with them

3. ask questions

4. record answers as instructed and

5. Complying with the requirements necessary for conducting a successful interview.


Locating/selecting sample members

• To locate the respondent it is first necessary to construct a sampling frame, which may require field work itself – a process called listing.

• In some cases, enumerators are provided with random number tables and asked to select the

sample.


Obtaining an interview • Arranging an interview is sometimes not as

straightforward as it sounds; one has to consider the timing of the interview.

• If time is not considered, a lot of call backs will have to be done thus affecting the time allocated for the survey.

• Time can influence the accuracy of the data obtained.

• It is best practice to select a time that is convenient for the respondent and to follow the procedure as defined in the enumerator instructions manual.


Asking questions

Enumerators are expected to:• ask all applicable questions.• ask them in the order given and with no more

elucidation and probing than is explicitly allowed and,

• make no unauthorised variations in the wording of questions.

In general, the aim is to attain uniformity inthe asking of questions and recording ofanswers.


Recording responses

• In most interviews, enumerators have to record answers/responses given by respondents.

• Exceptions occur when questionnaires are left to be filled in by the respondent and are later on collected by the enumerator e.g. in household expenditure surveys.

• After recording all responses, the enumerator must:

1. edit the questionnaire to check that all questions have been asked and all responses recorded.

2. ensure that he/she has ringed/ticked the right codes and 3. check that there are no inconsistencies between answers.


Post enumeration duties

• ensure that enumerator checking is complete.

• ensure that all questionnaires and equipment are accounted for.

• hand over all questionnaires (filled, spoilt & blank) with other literature and materials used in the survey to the supervisor.

• write a brief field report.


Equipment needed by an enumerator

In order to carry out his/her job effectively, an enumeratorneeds a number of items including;

• questionnaires• ballpoint pens• clip boards• letter of appointment and/or identification• waterproof bag or containers in which to store

questionnaires (used or unused) from becoming wet and untidy

• schedule of work • Enumerator Instructions Manual for consulting in case he/she

has forgotten some concept(s) or definition(s), • a notebook• maps for recognition of EA boundaries


Characteristics of a good enumerator 1. Honesty

In the sense of not falsifying or fabricating responses.However, it should be noted that honesty and integritycannot be easily assessed at the recruitment stage butenumerators who are later found deficient on these scores should be quickly dismissed.

2. InterestInterest in survey work is highly desirable. Errors and poor quality work are much more likely if theenumerator is bored and regards the work asvalueless.


Characteristics cont’d

3.Knowledge of the customs, traditions and language of the target population

This helps in the interpretation of questions,

answers, and furthermore, in the avoidance of words

or phrases that will/can embarrass the respondent.

4.Accuracy

Enumerators should be accurate in their recording of

answers, in the way they follow instructions, apply

definitions and carry out their administrative duties.


Characteristics of enumerators cont’d

5.AdaptabilityIf the enumerator is likely to be employed on a variety of surveys, including different types of questions, subjects and respondents, he/she should be a person who easily adapts to varying circumstances.

6.Personality and temperamentThe enumerator’s personality should be neither over-aggressive nor over-sociable. Pleasantness, politeness and a business-like manner is the ideal combination.


Characteristics of enumerators cont’d

7. Educated to the appropriate level

They should be educated to a level that

allows them to understand and follow

instructions of the study.

8. Self-sufficiency and independence

The enumerator will be expected to work

alone, at unusual hours and often in

uncomfortable or remote surroundings.


Rules for enumerators

The rules can be categorised as follows:

• Pre–enumeration rules

• During enumeration rules

• Post-enumeration rules


Pre-enumeration rules

• He/she must know and follow the instructions manual

• Adhere to the dress code of the organisation that has engaged/employed you.


During enumeration rules

• Reassures the respondent that all information collected will be treated as confidential and respects this promise.

• Complete interviews.

• An enumerator does his best to ensure the accuracy of the information collected.

• An enumerator always records information clearly and without the use of abbreviations, and

• Records events that occur differently from the planned activities and reports them to the supervisor.


Post enumeration rules

• Knows and complies with the Statistics Act regarding the work as an enumerator.

• An enumerator always carries out checks on consistency, completeness and clarity immediately after the interview, and

• Delivers all the forms and equipment to the supervisor on time and in full.


Resources

1. Enumerator’s Instructional Manual for Swaziland Agriculture Survey 2005/2006

2. The Republic of Zambia’s Post Harvest Survey 2001/2002 (For small and medium scale holdings) Interviewer’s Instructional Manual

3. The 2002 Zimbabwe Population Census Enumerator’s Manual

4. The 2006 Zimbabwe Agriculture and Livestock Survey Enumerator’s Training Manual

5. PowerPoint presentation by George Sibanda on the duties of enumerators, characteristics of enumerators and rules to be followed by enumerators in the collection of statistical data.


Documents

Module B1 Session 16.ppt