Articles

Our latest articles are below, or you can filter by category using this dropdown:

Eval Academy's Top 10 Posts and Resources of 2023

Eval Academy's Top 10 Posts and Resources of 2023

Check out the top 10 articles + top 10 resources of 2023 from Eval Academy!

Survey Question Types

Survey Question Types

Surveys are one of the most commonly used data collection tools in an evaluator’s toolbox, and for good reason! There are so many different ways to ask questions in a survey, from multiple choice questions to visual analogue scales and image choice. This article highlights some options to help you think outside the (check)box for your next evaluation survey!

Data Collection, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationBonnie LakustaNovember 28, 2023data collection, data, quantiative, surveys, survey designComment

The Power of Self-Reflection in Evaluation

The Power of Self-Reflection in Evaluation

As one of the Canadian Evaluation Society’s core competencies, self-reflection is powerful tool in bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. This article explores the importance of self-reflection in the work of evaluators, provides suggestions on practicing self-reflection, and discusses the benefits of engaging in the practice.

Evaluation Practice, Transforming Evaluation, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationStephanie JonesNovember 28, 2023self-reflection, eval competencies, eval excellence, communication, evaluation practice, evaluator, evaluator role, professional developmentComment

Qualtrics Automated Reporting - A How-To Guide

Monitoring survey data as it unfolds can be hugely beneficial in understanding the reach and performance of your online survey. However, creating and updating these reports can be time consuming, and take away from larger analysis and reporting tasks. Learn how to use Qualtrics’ built-in reporting feature to streamline and automate your incoming data reports here.

Reporting, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationMaegan TrottierNovember 27, 2023reporting, survey data, survey, qualtrics, automated reporting, descriptive analysisComment

Encrypting and Anonymizing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in Raw Data

Encrypting and Anonymizing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in Raw Data

Data protection in the world of evaluation is a must, especially when handling personally identifiable information (PII). Want to learn how to safeguard your data effectively? Discover the essential steps, including encryption and anonymization, to ensure your PII is shielded from unauthorized access, all while staying compliant with regulations.

Analysis, Evaluation Practice, Support Use, Data Collection, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluationSheldon KallioOctober 31, 2023data prep, Quantitative, ethics, evaluation ethics, evaluation, Data analysis Comments

In defence of long reports.

In defence of long reports.

It’s time to embrace long reports! This article confesses my love for lengthy reports. Why? Because they're more than just data – they're knowledge preservation. Long reports have a place in our world, serving multiple roles, from building capacity to promoting transparency. Learn more about the value of extensive reports in this article.

Analysis, Evaluation Practice, Reporting, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluationBonnie LakustaOctober 30, 2023Reporting, report writing, Evaluation report, Evaluation Report Comments

Data Visualization Applications: Lollipop Charts - An Alternative to Bar Charts

Data Visualization Applications: Lollipop Charts - An Alternative to Bar Charts

While traditional bar charts are both straightforward and powerful for data representation, there are instances when we seek innovative alternatives to breathe new life into our reports. Enter the lollipop chart. Learn how to develop them in Excel here.

Analysis, Reporting, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationSheldon KallioOctober 30, 2023data viz, Excel, Charts, Quantitative, Quantitative AnalysisComment

Power Query for Data Preparation in Excel: An Introduction and Walk-Through for Beginners

Unlock the Potential of Power Query in Excel for Effortless Data Preparation! In this article, we demystify the art of transforming raw data into actionable insights. With step-by-step instructions and hands-on examples, you'll master the essential skills to save time, reduce errors, and supercharge your data analysis.

Analysis, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationMaegan TrottierOctober 30, 2023data, data analysis, data preparation, data prep, power query, excel, quantitativeComment

New Template: Telephone Survey Introduction

New Template: Telephone Survey Introduction

The Telephone Survey Introduction Template is a comprehensive script designed to guide surveyors when initiating contact with participants for telephone surveys. It provides a structured framework for addressing various scenarios and ensures a professional and respectful approach to data collection.

Data Collection, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationStephanie JonesSeptember 28, 2023Evaluation, Evaluation Activities, Evaluation Methods, Research Methods, Qualitative, Interviews, Survey, TemplateComment

Data Visualization Applications: Bar Charts

Data Visualization Applications: Bar Charts

In this first instalment of our Data Visualization Applications series, we'll guide you through the art of transforming raw data into compelling visualizations. We kick things off by delving into the power and simplicity of the bar chart. By following these steps and best practices, you'll elevate your charts to ensure your data speaks clearly and convincingly. Stay tuned for more insights and techniques in our Data Visualization Applications series.

Analysis, Reporting, Evaluation Practice, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationSheldon KallioSeptember 27, 2023data viz, Quantitative, Quantitative Analysis, quantitative data, Data analysis, bar chart, Reporting, evaluation, Evaluation tipsComment

Data Visualization Best Practices: A Practical Guide for Getting the Most out of your Data Viz

Data Visualization Best Practices: A Practical Guide for Getting the Most out of your Data Viz

Want visuals that best express your data story? Here are some ideas to clean up those charts and help make them pop.

Analysis, Reporting, I do some evaluation, Evaluation is my main jobSheldon KallioSeptember 27, 2023Charts, Quantitative, quantitative data, Quantitative Analysis, Reporting, bar chart, Excel, data viz, Data VisualizationComment

How we built capacity for evaluation processes

How we built capacity for evaluation processes

Much of the work as an evaluator involves conducting evaluations for clients; this article describes our experience of working with an organization to help them become their own evaluation experts. Within this article, we cover the key evaluation concepts we shared with our client and highlight our own learnings from this process.

Evaluation Practice, Support Use, I do some evaluation, Evaluation is my main jobBonnie LakustaSeptember 25, 2023capacity building, evaluation toolkit, program evaluation, evaluation tools, monitoring and evaluation, evaluation facilitationComment

Survey Design Part 1: Planning for your survey – A review of Designing Quality Survey Questions (2019) by Robinson and Firth-Leonard

Survey Design Part 1: Planning for your survey – A review of Designing Quality Survey Questions (2019) by Robinson and Firth-Leonard

The article discusses the book "Designing Quality Survey Questions" by Robinson and Leonard, offering guidance for beginners in survey design. It highlights understanding survey purpose, tool suitability, respondent characteristics, and cultural context, serving as a useful resource for both new and experienced survey designers. Part 2 will delve into crafting quality survey questions.

Data Collection, Evaluation Practice, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationKim DesjarlaisAugust 29, 2023Data, Data collection, Evaluation activities, Evaluation methods, Evaluation methodology, Evaluation tools, Book review, Evaluation resources, Quantitative, Survey, Survey designComment

Podcast Review: Indigenous Insights: Episodes 1 and 2

Podcast Review: Indigenous Insights: Episodes 1 and 2

The article reviews the podcast "Indigenous Insights: An Evaluation Podcast" hosted by Gladys Rowe, which explores Indigenous evaluation perspectives. Rowe, a member of Fox Lake Cree Nation, shares experiences through storytelling, promoting reflection and learning. The podcast highlights Indigenous community-centered evaluation, featuring discussions with experts about their experiences.

Evaluation Practice, Transforming Evaluation, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationKim DesjarlaisAugust 29, 2023Indigenous evaluation, Evaluation, Evaluation facilitation, Evaluation practice, Evaluation process, Evaluator, Evaluator Role, National day of Truth and ReconciliationComment

New Infographic: A Beginner’s Guide to Evaluation: A summary of introductory resources for new evaluators

New Infographic: A Beginner’s Guide to Evaluation: A summary of introductory resources for new evaluators

This infographic is for those who are new to the field of evaluation and want to learn more about it. The purpose of the infographic is to provide newcomers with valuable resources that answer three important questions about evaluation. The infographic includes a one-page PDF with clickable links to relevant resources, making it easy for beginners to explore and learn more about evaluation.

Evaluation Practice, Support Use, I'm new to evaluationMaegan TrottierAugust 29, 2023Evaluation methods, Evaluation planning, Evaluation, Evaluator, Evaluation insights, Evaluation practice, Evaluation tips, Evaluator role, Eval excellenceComment

Tools to Write in Plain Language

Tools to Write in Plain Language

This article explains the concept of plain language, which aims to make writing easily understandable. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication and its relevance in knowledge translation. It also highlights reasons to write in plain language, such as addressing literacy challenges and making content accessible to a diverse audience. The article introduces tools, including AI writing tools like Chat GPT and readability tools, that assist in creating plain language content.

Reporting, Evaluation Practice, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationSujin CAugust 28, 2023communication, data driven, evaluation, evaluation practice, evaluator, report writing, reportingComment

New Infographic: Research and Evaluation

New Infographic: Research and Evaluation

This infographic is for those who want to understand the differences between research and evaluation, especially when they are used simultaneously in programs. The infographic shows the main steps of research and evaluation, points out the main ways they are different, and gives helpful advice for managing programs that use both approaches.

Evaluation Practice, I do some evaluation, Evaluation is my main jobEyerusalem TesseraAugust 28, 2023evaluation methods, evaluation planning, evaluation, evaluator, evaluation insights, evaluation practice, evaluation tips, evaluator roleComment

A picture is worth a thousand words: Photovoice

A picture is worth a thousand words: Photovoice

While traditional data collection methods like surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document reviews are well-known in evaluation, there are also innovative approaches like participatory and arts-based methods. One such method is Photovoice. While it might be daunting to embrace new techniques, it's important to recognize the value of methods like Photovoice in expanding our toolkit and enhancing evaluation practices.

Data Collection, Evaluation Practice, Transforming Evaluation, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationBonnie LakustaAugust 15, 2023evaluation activities, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Methodology, Evaluation practice, Evaluation tools, QualitativeComment

New infographic: Data viz decision tree

New infographic: Data viz decision tree

Choosing the right type of chart to display your data can help to improve clarity among your readers and lessens the likelihood that your findings may be misinterpreted. With so many different types of charts and graphs, it can be tough to know where to start. This infographic is for anyone who wants to clearly display their quantitative data in a meaningful way but isn’t sure how to pick the best chart for the job.

Analysis, Reporting, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationMaegan TrottierJuly 31, 2023Data, Data analysis, Quantitative, Data viz, Charts, Graphs, Evaluation reportingComment

Creating a Qualitative Codebook

Creating a Qualitative Codebook

A codebook for qualitative research is a stand-alone document that contains a list of themes, codes, and definitions that you are using in your qualitative analysis. This article outlines the structure of a qualitative codebook as well as steps to follow to create your own.

Analysis, Evaluation is my main job, I do some evaluation, I'm new to evaluationAlecia KallosJuly 31, 2023Data analysis, Evaluation methods, Evaluation practice, Qualitative, Coding, Thematic analysis, Qualitative analysis, Interview, Focus groupComment