A Guide To Family Intervention and Prevention Program Evaluation

Date of Publication: December 2000

Section 6: Designing Data Collection Instruments

Key Points & Introduction

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Key Points

Data can be collected from existing records or by developing new data collection instruments.
Information can be gathered from existing records by developing a coding sheet or by coding it directly into the computer. Decisions about the logistics of this are based on client confidentiality, availability of the records, and availability of staff who can code these records.
A questionnaire can be developed to collect new information.
Questionnaires can be self-administered or administered by an interviewer in-person or by telephone.
Survey questions can be open-ended or closed-ended. Order can influence the answers respondents give.

There are many tools an evaluator can use for data collection. The evaluator's choice of tools depends on the type of information needed, the amount of time available for data collection, and available resources. For example, when the goal is to determine "client satisfaction" for program supervisors), interviews and focus groups may be the best method for gathering the desired information. On the other hand, if a major stakeholder wants information on the efficacy of the program, it may be necessary to draw a representative sample of clients and present information that was collected in a standardized way.

With regard to data collection, the evaluator should to remember that "less is more." It is important to be specific about the type of information needed (Section 1, Subsection, "Determine The Audience For The Evaluation"); the evaluator should try not to succumb to the temptation to collect more data than is actually needed. Chances are that the cooperation of field personnel will be required either in gathering existing data or collecting new data. If the job is either too big or perceived as a waste of time, it is unlikely that field personnel will cooperate in this process.

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