 Data
Collection
5.3 Provide appropriate training
to data collectors
- awareness of confidentiality policy and procedures
- commitment to the value of data collection for
evaluation
- knowledge to aid understanding of respondents
(cultural, socioeconomic, scheduling)
- understanding role of specific data in the evaluation
(purpose, focus)
Need an example?
For example, if programs are evaluating change at
the level of the individual youth, it will be
necessary to link his/her specific pre-test and post-test
data.
Programs may also want to link data about each
participant’s
attendance and perhaps level of participation
and achievement in the program.
- familiarity with the final version of forms to
be used and concerns that arose during retesting (See
Step 4)
- written instructions appropriate for different
collection techniques, stressing importance of
full, accurate
records, correct identification of response
data,
- e.g., when and how to record identity of respondent
Since consistency of data collection is vital
to evaluation, staff need adequate information and
training to collect data in the same way across sites
or sessions, even if there are only two data collection
periods - pre- and post-tests. Consistent methods
of data collection and handling can produce more reliable
and credible results. Qualitative techniques also
need to be conducted in a systematic and thoughtful
way to provide accurate results.
- stress on the importance of consistent explanations,
methods across sites, sessions
- practice sessions and role-plays are useful:
- interviewing practice,
- explaining and completing forms and questionnaires
- making observations and using observation logs.
- access to timely assistance from program supervisor
for any questions or problems
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