Data Collection Considerations

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

When deciding which data-collection method/s and instrument/s to use, consider the following:

• Availability of resources for data-collection. Consider the resources budgeted to the evaluation when determining data-collection. These resources include not only the fiscal amount budgeted to evaluation, but also the availability of staff time. If sufficient resources have not previously been budgeted, additional resources may need to be requested.
• Sensitivity to the respondents/participants of the project. Consider the different backgrounds of various stakeholders. Large numbers of non-English speakers participating in the project, for example, might necessitate data-collection tools translated into other languages.
•  Credibility. When determining data-collection methods, consider whether one form or instrument is more or less credible than the others. Is the measure reliable? Using more than one measure can increase credibility.
•  Importance of the information. Consider the cost and difficulty involved in collecting information and what is most important to various stakeholders."

W. K. Kellogg Foundation Evaluation Handbook. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Battle Creek, MI. 1998.

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