Our Approach to Evidence
A disciplined, adaptable process combining mixed-methods research, rigorous quality assurance and ethical practice — designed for complex, access-constrained environments.
Six-Step Delivery Process
Every NOVA assignment follows a structured process that ensures quality, ethical practice and practical utility at each stage.
Frame the Decision
Clarify the purpose, users, key questions, evidence gaps and decisions the work must inform. We invest time at the outset to ensure the assignment is designed around what partners actually need to know and decide.
Design the Method
Develop a proportionate methodology, sampling approach, tools, analysis plan, ethics measures and quality controls. We select methods that are fit for purpose — not the most complex, but the most appropriate.
Prepare the Field
Recruit and brief the right team, contextualize tools, train personnel, pilot instruments and confirm operational safeguards. Thorough preparation reduces errors, protects participants and improves data quality.
Collect Responsibly
Gather quantitative and qualitative evidence through respectful, inclusive and secure engagement. We apply informed consent, protection protocols and data-security measures throughout collection.
Verify and Interpret
Run quality checks, triangulate sources, test explanations and distinguish supported findings from limitations or uncertainty. We are transparent about what the evidence shows — and what it does not.
Translate Evidence into Action
Present clear conclusions, prioritized recommendations and practical learning through reports, briefings and workshops. We communicate in ways that help partners act — not just understand.
Mixed-Methods Research
NOVA applies mixed-methods designs that combine quantitative and qualitative analysis to produce richer, more credible evidence. We select methods based on the questions being asked — not on convenience or convention.
Triangulation across multiple data sources and methods is a core quality practice. We test explanations against different evidence types and are transparent when findings are ambiguous or contested.
Quantitative Analysis
- Household surveys
- Structured questionnaires
- Statistical analysis
- Sampling & weighting
- Data visualization
Qualitative Research
- Key informant interviews
- Focus group discussions
- Observation & verification
- Case studies
- Participatory methods
Triangulation
- Cross-source verification
- Method triangulation
- Stakeholder validation
- Peer review
- Findings testing
Evidence Synthesis
- Literature reviews
- Document analysis
- Secondary data review
- Comparative analysis
- Learning synthesis
Quality & Ethical Safeguards
Independence
NOVA operates independently of implementing partners and donors. Our analysis reflects what the evidence shows, not what clients hope to hear.
Data Quality Assurance
Multi-stage quality checks including instrument piloting, enumerator supervision, back-checks, data cleaning protocols and audit trails.
Protection & Safeguarding
Informed consent, do-no-harm principles, protection-sensitive data collection and PSEA commitments embedded in every assignment.
Data Protection
Secure data storage, anonymization, access controls and responsible data management in line with ethical standards and contractual obligations.
Inclusion & Equity
Purposive sampling to reach marginalized groups, disaggregated analysis and accessible data collection methods for diverse participants.
Transparency
We are clear about methodological limitations, evidence strength and the boundaries of what our findings can and cannot support.
Adaptive Delivery in Complex Settings
NOVA adapts its delivery approach to the operational context, combining in-person, remote and hybrid methodologies to maintain quality and safety.
In-Person Delivery
Direct field presence with trained enumerators conducting face-to-face interviews, focus groups, observations and site visits.
Remote Monitoring
Phone-based interviews, remote verification, digital data collection and real-time reporting for access-constrained environments.
Hybrid Methodology
Combining in-person and remote approaches to maximize coverage, data quality and operational safety in complex settings.
Want to know more about how NOVA works?
Talk to us about your assignment and we will explain how our approach applies to your specific context and needs.
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