Posts in Data Collection
Stratified Random Sampling in Evaluation

Enhance evaluation precision through Stratified Random Sampling—a method that partitions populations into subgroups for nuanced insights. Whether adopting proportionate or disproportionate approaches, this strategy fosters inclusivity and robust representation, enriching the evaluative process, learn about it in this article.

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How to Link Surveys in Qualtrics with a Participant ID

 This is a step-by-step guide for linking your surveys in Qualtrics with a participant ID to assess change over time. Linking surveys together means that you’re connecting the data from all your surveys in a way that lets you track an individual respondent.

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Eval Academy's Top 10 Posts and Resources of 2023

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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New infographic: 10 tips for running a focus group

By leveraging group dynamics and interactions, focus groups provide a platform for participants to build on ideas, challenge assumptions, and generate new insights. In this article, we present our top tips for running successful focus groups that are efficient and gather quality data.

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SWOT Analysis: What is it and how do I use it?

A SWOT is a tool commonly used at the beginning of a new venture or as part of a new strategic planning process. A SWOT in evaluation could be used as a data collection tool or to present evaluation findings and create recommendations. This article outlines what a SWOT analysis is and how to complete one.

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New Checklist: Information request checklist

Eval Academy just released a new checklist for anyone who’s about to start a new evaluation project. Use this checklist to make sure you’re gathering the information necessary to support your evaluation endeavour. This checklist can act as a support tool for you to make sure you have the context you need when starting an evaluation.

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New Tip Sheet: Tips for Conducting Interviews

Eval Academy just released a new tip sheet for Conducting Interviews. If you will be conducting interviews in your evaluation, then this tip sheet is for you! Whether you’re new to the process or have conducted interviews before, this tip sheet provides a good overview and refresher to make your next interview experience a great one.

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What you need to know about member checking

While member checking is commonly used in qualitative research, it’s less commonly used in evaluation and we think that should change! In this article, we’ll review what member checking is and why, when, and how you should use it.

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Sampling and Recruitment 101

You’ve got your evaluation plan; you’ve developed your data collection tools and you’re ready to go live with collecting the data you need to answer your evaluation questions. Step 1: Identify your sample. Step 2. Recruitment. But how do you get participants to take part in the data collection process?

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Top Tips for Using a Real-Time Interpreter in Interviews and Focus Groups

In this article, we share our top tips for running an interview or focus group using a real-time interpreter & reflect on a recent online focus group I completed that utilized an Arabic interpreter.

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New Template: Interview Tracking Log

Eval Academy just released a new template, “Interview Tracking Log.” This template is available as a Word document as well as an Excel file! This Interview Tracking Log can be used by anyone who will be completing interviews to collect qualitative data.

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