Matching Outcomes and Measurement Methods
Outcomes can be measured using a variety of methods, depending on the source of the information, the resources available for implementing the evaluation and the time frame for documenting results.
Some methods are more appropriate depending on the kinds of data being collected. The table below summarizes types of outcomes and methods of measurement often associated with them.
EXAMPLE
Our sources of data about graduate students' communication abilities are the graduate students and their mentees. The data source for the writing assignments is the graduate students' writing assignments. Now we have to decide how we will gather these data.
To gather data from graduate students and their mentees we will use a self-reported questionnaire administered before and after the program. To gather data about the writing assignments, we will do a content analysis of their writing.
See Example 1 in the Resources menu at the right for this example evaluation plan completed thus far.
WRITE YOUR OWN METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
In your Evaluation Planning Tool enter your methods of data collection in column 6.
Do you need more information? Check out the RESOURCES menu at the right.
Next Steps
You have now finished this evaluation tutorial and may be wondering, "What do I do next?"
One suggestion is to review and refine your evaluation planning tool and consider using it as a supportive graphic to include in your RCR proposal. It is an effective way to succinctly describe the relationship between your proposed program's goals and objectives and the plan for evaluation. When we use similar tools in our own evaluation planning we often discover gaps or mismatches between our evaluation methods and our program objectives. As reviewers of proposals we appreciate the clear presentation of plans these tools provide.
Good luck!