Key Takeaways

• A measure is any tool used to assess a concept or idea. Common measures include questionnaires, observed behaviors, and standardized scales. 

• There are two broad ways to collect data: Quantiative and Qualitative.  Quantitative data involves representing concepts as numbers.  It is helpful for understanding trends across large groups of people.  Qualitative data involves asking a few people to answer questions with detailed descriptions.  It is useful for providing context and exploring idea spaces.

• There are two types of data you can collect: Behavioural data and Self-Report data.  Behavioural data is direct observation of actions, such as tracking attendance rates or counting specific behaviors.  With Self-Report measures individuals provide information about themselves, often through questionnaires or interviews. 

• Data you collect may be relevant for different parts of your work cycle.  Needs data is information that helps identify the problems or needs of program participants.  Plans data helps you understand what interventions might be effective.   Action Data is shows that your plan happened as intended.  Impact data measures how effective your plan is at accomplishing your goal. 

• You can do data collection projects that target any stage of your work cycle.  Also, a single project might target multiple stages in your work cycle.