Articles
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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.
New Infographic: Types of Interview Guides
Your go-to guide for structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews - know which method is best for your data collection needs!
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.
Eval Academy's Top 10 Posts and Resources of 2023
Check out the top 10 articles + top 10 resources of 2023 from Eval Academy!
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.
New Template: Telephone Survey Introduction
The Telephone Survey Introduction Template is a comprehensive script designed to guide surveyors when initiating contact with participants for telephone surveys. It provides a structured framework for addressing various scenarios and ensures a professional and respectful approach to data collection.
Data Visualization Applications: Bar Charts
In this first instalment of our Data Visualization Applications series, we'll guide you through the art of transforming raw data into compelling visualizations. We kick things off by delving into the power and simplicity of the bar chart. By following these steps and best practices, you'll elevate your charts to ensure your data speaks clearly and convincingly. Stay tuned for more insights and techniques in our Data Visualization Applications series.
Data Visualization Best Practices: A Practical Guide for Getting the Most out of your Data Viz
Want visuals that best express your data story? Here are some ideas to clean up those charts and help make them pop.
How we built capacity for evaluation processes
Much of the work as an evaluator involves conducting evaluations for clients; this article describes our experience of working with an organization to help them become their own evaluation experts. Within this article, we cover the key evaluation concepts we shared with our client and highlight our own learnings from this process.
Survey Design Part 1: Planning for your survey – A review of Designing Quality Survey Questions (2019) by Robinson and Firth-Leonard
The article discusses the book "Designing Quality Survey Questions" by Robinson and Leonard, offering guidance for beginners in survey design. It highlights understanding survey purpose, tool suitability, respondent characteristics, and cultural context, serving as a useful resource for both new and experienced survey designers. Part 2 will delve into crafting quality survey questions.
Podcast Review: Indigenous Insights: Episodes 1 and 2
The article reviews the podcast "Indigenous Insights: An Evaluation Podcast" hosted by Gladys Rowe, which explores Indigenous evaluation perspectives. Rowe, a member of Fox Lake Cree Nation, shares experiences through storytelling, promoting reflection and learning. The podcast highlights Indigenous community-centered evaluation, featuring discussions with experts about their experiences.
New Infographic: A Beginner’s Guide to Evaluation: A summary of introductory resources for new evaluators
This infographic is for those who are new to the field of evaluation and want to learn more about it. The purpose of the infographic is to provide newcomers with valuable resources that answer three important questions about evaluation. The infographic includes a one-page PDF with clickable links to relevant resources, making it easy for beginners to explore and learn more about evaluation.
Tools to Write in Plain Language
This article explains the concept of plain language, which aims to make writing easily understandable. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication and its relevance in knowledge translation. It also highlights reasons to write in plain language, such as addressing literacy challenges and making content accessible to a diverse audience. The article introduces tools, including AI writing tools like Chat GPT and readability tools, that assist in creating plain language content.
New Infographic: Research and Evaluation
This infographic is for those who want to understand the differences between research and evaluation, especially when they are used simultaneously in programs. The infographic shows the main steps of research and evaluation, points out the main ways they are different, and gives helpful advice for managing programs that use both approaches.