Program Evaluation KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Program Evaluation KnowledgeBase is an online resource aiding education professionals in understanding the basics of project evaluation in order to properly assess projects and programs. It is organized around three elements to assist educators with their program evaluation.

Task 1: Analyze the Data

Guideline: When analyzing the collected data do so within the context of the evaluation questions. Depending on the scope, complexity of the data analysis and available in-house expertise it may be necessary to acquire external statistical assistance to aid with the analysis. External assistance may be particularly useful if the program being evaluated stirs emotions among the stakeholders.

Resources

Checklists

Data Verification Checklist

This form presents a short set of questions to answer prior to proceeding with the analysis of data. It is also good to consider any variances prior to preparing a report of findings.

Alternate format: PDF

Questions to Ask Before Analyzing Your Data

This checklist from the Learning Technology Dissemination Initiative's Evaluation Cookbook contains a series of suggested questions evaluators should ask themselves before they start analyzing data.

Guidelines

Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice

This American Statistical Association document encourages ethical and effective statistical work.

Practical tips

Statistics Every Writer Should Know

This resource describes in "plain English, some basic concepts in statistics that every writer should know."

References

Analyzing Qualitative Data

This link to Part II Chapter 4 of the National Science Foundation's User-Friendly Handbook for Mixed Method Evaluations addresses analyzing qualitative data and offers practical advice for conducting such analysis.

Just Plain Data Analysis

This link is to the companion website to the book Just Plain Data Analysis authored by Gary Klass, Department of Politics and Government, Illinois State University. The website addresses research design, data collection, data analysis, and data presentation employed in empirical social science research.

Qualitative Data Analysis

This thirteen page document is one of eighteen lectures based on the book Educational Research Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches. The lectures were written by the author as a supplement to the text. This lecture describes various methods of analyzing qualitative data. It includes instructions for coding data including several examples.