Gathering Evaluation Data
What's involved in gathering your data?
Your evaluation plan will identify the different sources of information, or data, that you will need to gather for the evaluation. There are two main categories of evaluation data; quantitative (numeric) data and qualitative (text) data.
Quantitative data refers to data that can be summarized numerically. Examples of quantitative data include: the number of people attending a workshop; the number or percentage of people who completed the program; the average scores on a topic before and/or after a training session.
Qualitative data refers to textual or narrative data, including stories and lived experiences, that can be interpreted and summarized thematically. For example, this may include interview or focus group transcripts, open-ended survey responses, or storytelling approaches that center participant voice. These forms of data can be analyzed to identify common themes, concepts, or patterns, while respecting diverse ways of knowing and sharing knowledge.
Whether you plan to gather or use quantitative data, qualitative data, or a combination of both, you need to carefully design and test your data collection tools. There are many different data collection methods for gathering both types of data. This toolkit focuses on two common data collection methods; surveys and focus groups. In the "Learn More" section at the bottom of this page, you will find links to resources about other data collection methods.
Tools & Resource for Gathering Data
The Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey is a standardized survey that has been used by TMU's Recreation and Active Wellbeing Department as a benchmark to evaluate some of their programs. If your survey will include questions about wellbeing, you may want to use the (PDF file) Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (external link) as a template or guide. Your department may use other tools, or have standard sets of questions you ask program participants.
If you are planning to conduct a focus group, the (PDF file) Focus Group Planning Tip Sheet (opens in new window) provides helpful, step-by-step instructions for preparing for a focus group. You can also adapt the focus group planning guide for one-on-one interviews.
Once you have decided on your data collection method or methods, use the (word file) Data Collection Planning Tool (opens in new window) to plan your approach and process for gathering data.
Sample data collection tools: these examples use the sample Student Stress-Management Initiative described in the Preparing to Evaluate section of the toolkit as the basis for the tools' design.