Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa goes solo to break down three critical non-sampling survey errors — enumerator effects, nonresponse errors, and response errors — while providing practical, actionable solutions for each.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:

• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 Intro
• 01:45 Error #1: Enumerator Effects
• 03:49 Fixing Enumerator Bias
• 06:19 Error #2: Nonresponse
• 06:57 Boosting Survey Participation
• 08:49 Error #3: Response Errors
• 10:21 Getting Real Answers
• 12:58 Episode Wrap-Up
  
  

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa sits down with Alexa Kneale, a Researcher and Account Executive at PowerSolve Technologies, a custom software solutions provider and bespoke MRV tools developer for seamless data management and ER calculations. 

Together, they demystify the carbon offset industry and explore how data quality drives trust in environmental initiatives. Learn why transparent data collection is crucial for carbon projects, how digital tools are revolutionizing field operations, and the essential practices for maintaining data integrity in offset verification.

What You’ll Learn:

• How carbon offsets work as both environmental tools and socio-economic investments
• The critical differences between voluntary and compliance carbon markets
• Why data transparency is essential for building trust in carbon offset projects
• How to implement robust data collection practices for carbon project verification
• The importance of integrating multiple digital tools through APIs for seamless data management
• Why upfront testing and training are crucial for successful field data collection
  
  

Alexa Kneale is a Researcher and Account Executive at PowerSolve Technologies, a custom software solutions provider and bespoke MRV tools developer for seamless data management and ER calculations, equipping carbon project developers, implementers, and investors with the tools necessary for world-class project management. With expertise in carbon credit verification and data management systems, she helps project developers ensure their carbon credits are auditable and verified through transparent data collection and monitoring.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:

• Alexa Kneale on LinkedIn
• PowerSolve Technologies Website
• PowerSolve Technologies LinkedIn
• Cookstove Project Example
• From Data to Impact Article
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• SurveyCTO Website
• Apply for the 2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant

Episode Highlights: 

• 0:00 Intro
• 01:22 What Are Carbon Offsets, Really?
• 02:37 Decoding the Jargon
• 04:30 Voluntary vs. Compliance Carbon Markets
• 06:17 PowerSolve’s Role
• 08:06 Why Data Transparency Is Non-Negotiable
• 10:54 A Real-World Example of Traceable Impact
• 13:46 Built-In Data Quality Controls
• 16:01 Data Privacy, Security, and Audit Trails
• 18:24 Building a Seamless Tech Stack
• 21:33 The Future of Carbon Offsets
• 23:25 The Key to Project Success
  
  

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa sits down with Jeremy Taylor, Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at The Possible Zone. Together, they explore how social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM education intersect with cutting-edge data collection, unpacking why surveys still matter, but also why they're not enough, especially when you're trying to measure complex skills, teamwork, and problem-solving.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to blend traditional surveys with behavioral data collection for more accurate measurement of student development
• Why certain social-emotional competencies are better measured through surveys, while others require behavioral observation
• The role of digital footprints in tracking student engagement and skill development with technology
• How to leverage AI and language models to analyze qualitative student feedback and assess competencies
• How to create effective measurement rubrics that align with specific learning competencies
• Why regular data reflection sessions with educators and students drive program improvements
  
  

Jeremy Taylor is the Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at The Possible Zone, where he leads innovative approaches to measuring social-emotional learning and youth development outcomes. With a background as a clinical child psychologist and self-described "data geek," he brings unique expertise to the intersection of youth development, STEM education, and data analytics. In his six years with the organization, Taylor has pioneered the use of multimodal assessment methods, including digital footprint analysis and AI-driven evaluation tools, to measure student growth beyond traditional surveys.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:

• Jeremy Taylor on LinkedIn
• The Possible Zone Website
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website
• Apply for the 2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:55 What Is The Possible Zone?
• 2:00 Why SEL Surveys Matter
• 4:13 Behavioral Data and Digital Footprints
• 7:54 Measuring Social-Emotional Growth
• 9:52 Matching Methods to Outcomes
• 14:56 Turning Data into Action
• 20:29 Tools and Advice for Measuring SEL
  
  

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

If you think expertise alone rules the technical training game, you’ve got it all wrong! In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa sits down with Maulik Chauhan, Founder of Trestle Research and India Lead at SurveyCTO, to understand what it really takes to drive successful digital transformation. Together, they explore the crucial elements of training teams for digital data collection. From practical strategies for teams with varying tech proficiency to creating effective training approaches through empathy, gradual learning paths, and organizational preparation, this episode is the guide you need if you’re looking to build sustainable and accessible data collection.



What You’ll Learn:

• How to shift team mindsets by focusing on making their work easier rather than overwhelming them with technology
• The "Test Tools Before Testing People" principle for successful digital transformation
• How to make technical training accessible through gradual learning paths and relatable examples
• The importance of creating internal "Digital Champions" to sustain long-term adoption
• Why piloting is a non-negotiable and how to implement it effectively
• The value of building a complete data ecosystem beyond just data collection tools
• Why continuous post-training support is essential for sustainable implementation
  
  

Maulik is a digital data collection expert and trainer specializing in helping organizations transition from paper-based to digital data gathering systems. With extensive experience conducting workshops and training across international organizations, he is known for his patient, empathy-driven approach to technology adoption. His work has helped numerous field teams and program staff across different countries successfully implement digital data collection systems for sustainable and long-lasting impact. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:

• Maulik Chauhan on LinkedIn
• Trestle Website
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website
• 2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 Intro: Digital Training for Data Collection Teams
• 2:43 Why Empathy Beats Expertise in Technical Training
• 9:12 Understanding Your Audience Before Solutions
• 14:10 Making Technology Accessible Through Small Wins 
• 19:49 Pre-Training Homework and Assessment
• 23:25 How Organizations Can Prepare for Digital Adoption
• 28:35 Test Tools Before Testing People: The Pilot Approach
• 31:03 How Internal ‘Digital Champions’ Save Teams
• 32:41 Building a Complete Data-Driven Ecosystem 
• 36:46 Final Thoughts & Recommended Resources
  
  

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Dr. Mark Pagell, Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Management at the University College Dublin. Together, they share how adopting a people-centric approach transforms data collection within sustainable supply chains, challenging traditional models that prioritize economic growth over social and ecological well-being.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to shift from traditional manager-focused data collection to capturing worker and community perspectives
• Why mixing methodologies is crucial for understanding social impacts
• The creative sampling" approach to finding and studying innovative, sustainable business models
• How to leverage partnerships with regulatory agencies and NGOs for deeper data access
• Why researchers should embrace prescriptive, goal-oriented research rather than purely descriptive studies
  
  

Dr. Mark Pagell is a distinguished scholar in Sustainable Supply Chain Management and a Full Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Management at the University College Dublin. Known for challenging traditional supply chain models, he advocates for a people-centric approach that prioritizes social and ecological well-being over purely economic metrics. His groundbreaking work focuses on post-growth economics and sustainable supply chain transitions, particularly examining how organizations can scale up renewable operations while responsibly scaling down traditional practices.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:

• Dr. Mark Pagell on LinkedIn
• University College Dublin Website
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website
• Putting the S in Sustainable Supply Chain Management Article
• Rethinking Supply Chain Management in a Post-Growth Era Article
• 2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Douglas Johnson, a Senior Statistician on the Technical Team at IDinsight. Together, they share groundbreaking approaches to survey sampling that balance rigor with cost-effectiveness, especially in regions where traditional census data is unavailable or unreliable.

What You’ll Learn:

• How traditional sampling methods like the "right-hand rule" fall short in delivering replicable, unbiased results
• Why satellite imagery and rooftop data are transforming household survey sampling methodology
• The practical implementation of rooftop sampling and how it improves upon conventional approaches
• How grid-based sampling works and when it's most appropriate to use
• The technical requirements and organizational considerations for implementing new sampling methods
• Why AI and technology will enhance but not replace human-conducted household surveys
  
  

Douglas Johnson is a Senior Statistician on the Technical Team at IDinsight, specializing in survey sampling methodology and data quality improvement for global development research. With extensive expertise in statistical analysis and survey design, he leads innovative work through IDinsight's Data Delta initiative, which aims to make household surveys better, faster, and more cost-effective. Johnson has pioneered new approaches to survey sampling, including rooftop sampling methodology, and has worked with organizations like Meta, the World Bank, and UNICEF to revolutionize data collection in hard-to-reach areas.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:27 Why Traditional Sampling Is Broken
• 4:44 Why Satellite Imagery Changes the Game
• 6:42 The Right-Hand Rule Debunked
• 10:37 The Road to Rooftop Sampling
• 13:08 Lessons From the Field
• 16:04 Is Grid-Based Sampling Worth It?
• 19:19 Skills and Tools You’ll Need
• 25:00 The Future of Sampling
• 26:56 AI and the Role of Human Interaction
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Douglas Johnson on LinkedIn
• IDinsight Website
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website
• Right-Hand Rule Sampling" Blog Post
• Grid-based Sampling Blog Post
• WorldPop Website
• GHS-POP Website
• Google My Maps Website
• MapSolve Website

Guest Resources:

• Right-hand rule sampling
  • Blog post on why right-hand rule sampling leads to biased results
• Grid-based sampling
  • Blog post introducing grid-based sampling
  • Blog post on lessons learned using grid-based sampling
  • Code to implement grid-based sampling
  • Additional code to cluster grids
• Rooftop sampling
  • Working paper showing that rooftop sampling leads to relatively little bias
  • Code and guidance to implement rooftop sampling
• Voter roll sampling
  • Academic paper showing that voter rolls have high coverage in rural India

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this special episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by SurveyCTO’s Business Development Manager, Maria Pervova, and Associate Account Executive Catherine Kendall. Together, the three navigate insights coming from the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD) Conference & Exhibition in Dubai, a leading event on humanitarian aid and development. This year’s theme, "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World," sparked powerful conversations and left us thinking deeply about the role of data, collaboration, and innovation in humanitarian work.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why digital transformation remains a crucial strategy for humanitarian organizations still relying on paper-based systems
• How standardization of data collection across multiple countries impacts program effectiveness and donor reporting
• How technology can enhance medical service delivery in humanitarian settings
• The importance of balancing innovation with practical solutions in humanitarian technology
  
  

Maria is a Business Development professional at SurveyCTO with a background in economics and international development. Based in Colombia, she leverages her experience with nonprofits and government education to guide organizations through technology-driven process improvements, helping them optimize their daily tools and operations for greater impact.

Catherine is a Business Development specialist at SurveyCTO with extensive experience in nonprofit healthcare operations, innovation, and program management. Drawing from her background in healthcare operations, she helps high-impact organizations discover and implement technological solutions to improve their processes and increase program growth.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 Intro
• 01:21 Meet Maria and Catherine
• 03:15 First Impressions of DIHAD
• 04:39 Surprising Gaps in Digitization
• 06:58 Privacy, Process, and Paper
• 09:39 Innovation Isn’t Just AI
• 13:04 Localization vs. Standardization
• 17:23 Moments That Stuck
• 19:01 Changing Perspectives and Reinforcing Purpose
• 23:37 Booths, Barbecue, and Za'atar Pizza

Episode Resources:

• Maria Pervova on LinkedIn
• Catherine Kendall on LinkedIn
• DIHAD Website
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this greatest hits episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Maulik Chauhan, Founder and Managing Director of Trestle Research. They dive into the importance of digitizing data, the challenges and benefits of transitioning from paper-based to digital data collection methods, and what it takes to smoothly transition to digital data collection.

As the India Lead for SurveyCTO, Maulik drives the platform's growth nationwide, helping organizations shift to digital data collection methods that improve accuracy and reliability. With over a decade of experience in data collection and analysis, Maulik previously worked as a Senior Data Associate at J-PAL South Asia, managing data for randomized control trials and collaborating with institutions like The World Bank and Harvard University.

His expertise ranges from grassroots data collection to high-level consultancy, including his work with the UN to help African nations digitize their Consumer Price Index data collection. Maulik's blend of data expertise and passion for social impact positions him as a key figure in data-driven social change.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.



Episode Resources:

• Maulik Chauhan on LinkedIn
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Trestle Research Website
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:39 How a Bollywood Movie Sparked Maulik's Mission to Impact Millions
• 7:36 Empowering Organizations for Real-Time Results
• 11:13 Why Going Paperless Isn’t Enough
• 15:39 The Power of Tech in Data Management
• 22:20 Leveraging Digital Data
• 26:26 The Secret Formula for a Seamless Data Transition
• 30:06 How Digitizing Data Saves Lives and Transforms Communities
• 36:47 Maulik’s Tips for Mastering Tech and Data
• 38:56 Free Tools and Must-Read Books for Researchers

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Dr. Angela R. Pashayan, an expert in International Development, Experiential learning, Leading International trips, and Intercultural Communication. Together, they explore the ethics of field research in vulnerable communities. Drawing from her work in Nairobi, Kenya,, Dr. Pashayan shares valuable insights on navigating unexpected challenges in data collection, adapting research methodologies to local contexts, and preparing university students for the challenges and opportunities of fieldwork.

Dr. Pashayan is an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a Visiting Professor at American University’s Nairobi Campus, where she leads research on informal settlements. Her research has been focussed on extreme poverty reduction in Mukuru, Nairobi slums and is published in her book, “Development in Africa's Informal Settlements,” which examines the disconnect between international development programs and the realities of slum dwellers.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.



Episode Resources:

• Dr. Angela R. Pashayan on LinkedIn
• Development in Africa's Informal Settlements Book
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights 

[00:00] Intro
[01:23] - How Can You Avoid Bias in Your Survey Questions? 
[04:07] - How Do You Make Sure Questions Are Understood Well Across Cultures?
[06:31] - How Can You Avoid Survey Fatigue and Engage Respondents? 
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa goes solo to address the most pressing questions from over 700 SurveyCTO users about crafting effective survey questions, from avoiding bias to ensuring cultural relevance.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.


Episode Resources:

• Marta Costa on LinkedIn
• Dobility Website
• SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights:

• [0:00] Intro
• [01:23] - How Can You Avoid Bias in Your Survey Questions?
• [04:07] - How Do You Make Sure Questions Are Understood Well Across Cultures?
• [06:31] - How Can You Avoid Survey Fatigue and Engage Respondents?
• [09:25] - Closing and Final Takeaways

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:

• What’s Missing from Your Data Collection Strategy? With Andrew Gerhard of Loop Horizon
• How Can Data Transform Communities? Insights from Paul Nzerebende of the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda
• The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)