Articles
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Survey Design: Unsure about Unsure
Ever been frustrated by a poorly designed survey? From limited response options to confusing questions, we've all encountered surveys that leave us scratching our heads. But fear not! This article unravels the mysteries of survey design, offering invaluable insights into mitigating respondent frustrations and maximizing data quality.
Evaluation Sustainability Plans: Why you need one for your next evaluation project.
Discover the importance of Evaluation Sustainability Plans in maximizing the impact of evaluations. Learn why you need one for your next evaluation project! Explore the key components and considerations to integrate evaluation insights into organizational culture for lasting benefits.
(Mostly Free) Resources for Learning How to Code Qualitative Data
Discover our favourite list of free resources to learn qualitative data coding, including step-by-step tutorials and practical guides. Use this list to improve your ability to analyze non-numerical data effectively for research and evaluation purposes.
The Frustration of Searching for Evaluation Content
Tired of reading irrelevant online content to find valuable resources on evaluation? This article explores strategies for navigating the vast sea of online information. Discover how to streamline your search and access the insights that drive professional growth and success in evaluation.
Playing the Fool: Why Asking a Few Silly Questions Makes You a Better Evaluator
Discover why asking silly questions can make you a better evaluator. This article reveals how injecting humor and curiosity into evaluation discussions can foster open dialogue, encourage critical thinking, and drive meaningful change.
Evaluating for Spread and Scale
The terms “spread” and “scale” often go hand in hand, but they have distinct meanings. Learn the difference and when to use them in this article!
Empowering Evaluators: 12 Training Ideas Beyond Conventional Evaluation
If you’re an evaluator seeking training that goes beyond the basics, start here!
Three Things Evaluators Can Learn from Psychologists
In this article, we delve into the worlds of evaluation and psychology, exploring the invaluable lessons evaluators can learn from their psychology counterparts. From mastering communication and active listening techniques to embracing interdisciplinary collaboration and refining documentation practices, discover three top tips that will elevate your evaluation game.
Enhance Meeting Note-Taking Efficiency with Our Latest Template
Elevate your project meetings with our Meeting Notes Template in Microsoft Word! Designed for easy tracking, it helps document crucial details, decisions, and challenges, enhancing team accountability and seamlessly integrating with project management tools.
Evaluative Thinking: What does it mean and why does it matter?
Unleash the power of evaluative thinking in our data-driven world! This article explores how evaluative thinking goes beyond data analysis alone; it involves a systematic and reflective approach to understanding the effectiveness and impact of actions, programs, and decisions. Discover why evaluative thinking matters for informed decision-making, accountability, and fostering innovation.
Stratified Random Sampling in Evaluation
Enhance evaluation precision through Stratified Random Sampling—a method that partitions populations into subgroups for nuanced insights. Whether adopting proportionate or disproportionate approaches, this strategy fosters inclusivity and robust representation, enriching the evaluative process, learn about it in this article.
Optimizing Excel Charts by Right Justifying Y-Axis Labels
In this article, we'll show you an easy way to align y-axis labels in Excel charts and Microsoft applications. It's a simple but important step to make sure your data visualizations are clear and accurate.
How to Link Surveys in Qualtrics with a Participant ID
This is a step-by-step guide for linking your surveys in Qualtrics with a participant ID to assess change over time. Linking surveys together means that you’re connecting the data from all your surveys in a way that lets you track an individual respondent.
Survey Question Types
Surveys are one of the most commonly used data collection tools in an evaluator’s toolbox, and for good reason! There are so many different ways to ask questions in a survey, from multiple choice questions to visual analogue scales and image choice. This article highlights some options to help you think outside the (check)box for your next evaluation survey!
The Power of Self-Reflection in Evaluation
As one of the Canadian Evaluation Society’s core competencies, self-reflection is powerful tool in bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. This article explores the importance of self-reflection in the work of evaluators, provides suggestions on practicing self-reflection, and discusses the benefits of engaging in the practice.
Qualtrics Automated Reporting - A How-To Guide
Monitoring survey data as it unfolds can be hugely beneficial in understanding the reach and performance of your online survey. However, creating and updating these reports can be time consuming, and take away from larger analysis and reporting tasks. Learn how to use Qualtrics’ built-in reporting feature to streamline and automate your incoming data reports here.
Encrypting and Anonymizing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in Raw Data
Data protection in the world of evaluation is a must, especially when handling personally identifiable information (PII). Want to learn how to safeguard your data effectively? Discover the essential steps, including encryption and anonymization, to ensure your PII is shielded from unauthorized access, all while staying compliant with regulations.
In defence of long reports.
It’s time to embrace long reports! This article confesses my love for lengthy reports. Why? Because they're more than just data – they're knowledge preservation. Long reports have a place in our world, serving multiple roles, from building capacity to promoting transparency. Learn more about the value of extensive reports in this article.
Data Visualization Applications: Lollipop Charts - An Alternative to Bar Charts
While traditional bar charts are both straightforward and powerful for data representation, there are instances when we seek innovative alternatives to breathe new life into our reports. Enter the lollipop chart. Learn how to develop them in Excel here.
Power Query for Data Preparation in Excel: An Introduction and Walk-Through for Beginners
Unlock the Potential of Power Query in Excel for Effortless Data Preparation! In this article, we demystify the art of transforming raw data into actionable insights. With step-by-step instructions and hands-on examples, you'll master the essential skills to save time, reduce errors, and supercharge your data analysis.