Data Collection Methods
This section includes a number of resources, tools and Tip Sheets on many forms of data collection used in evaluation: surveys, focus groups, group data, community mapping. There are also resources on some other methods, such as ethnography and story-gathering. Some of the resources also show how particular methods have been adapted for particular issues – for example, evaluation of advocacy. For more, see also the sections on [[Inclusive Evaluation]] and Evaluation Basics, and the Tip Sheets on [[How Can We Design Focus Groups to Give Us the Best Information Possible?]], and [[How Can We Design Survey Interviews and Questionnaires to Give Us the Best Information Possible?]]. Both Tip Sheets provide information that takes into account race, racism and privilege in the processes and content of those forms of data collection.
“We act as if simple cause and effect is at work. We push to find the one simple reason things have gone wrong. We look for the one action, or the one person, that created this mess. As soon as we find someone to blame, we act as if we’ve solved the problem.”
~ Margaret J. Wheatley
SPOTLIGHT
Also in this section:
GLOSSARY