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TEXTBOOK: Newcomer, K. E., Hatry, H. P., & Wholey, J. S. (2015). Handbook of practical program evaluation, 4th Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
RESPONSE #1
The internet is a very useful tool when using n evaluation studies. One way is by data collections. The internet is a large source of data that could be collected via surveys, questionnaires, and more. The date can be collected in real time, or immediately. The internet could be used as participant recruitment and engagement. There are many sources which include social media, online platforms, and community websites that could be used for different studies. Online platforms could also be used to provide information and resources to people. Social networking is another way by evaluating communication patterns within the online communities. Another way is analytics and user tracking which allows tracking user behavior and data on website platforms. According to an article by Hatakka, Internet resources have been ascribed transformative powers in the development of educational organizations and students in developing regions. However, most development projects relating to Internet resources focus on publishing material without much analysis of the actual use” (Hatakka, 2011).
Focus groups involve small groups of maybe 5-10, in which they work together on a topic or issue. The group goal is to work together to generate qualitative data by encouraging group interaction. Another form of data collection is surveys. Surveys collect standardized data from a certain amount of people. Surveys are used to measure variables through statistical data that is collected. her form of data collection is through interviews. An interview is usually a one-on-one interaction allowing open ended questions. The data that is collected is qualitative or quantitative data.
Focus groups can provide a vast source of information due to the group dynamics. The focus groups also allow for participants to build upon each others responses and generate new ideas. According to British Ecology Society, “Compared to more conventional techniques such as individual interviews and surveys, focus group discussion offers an opportunity to explore issues that are not well understood or where there is little prior research on the topic (e.g. 239).
Work Cited
Hatakka, M., & Lagsten, J. (2012). The capability approach as a tool for development evaluation – analyzing students’ use of internet resources. Information Technology for Development, 18(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2011.617722Links to an external site.
The capability approach as a tool for development evaluation – analyzing…
Mathias Hatakka
Internet resources have been ascribed transformative powers in the development of educational organizations and …
Nyumba, T., Wilson, K., Derrick, C., Mukherjee, N. (January 2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: insights from two decades of application in conservation. The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation
RESPONSE #2
The internet offers various methods for conducting evaluation studies, including literature reviews, online surveys, and sharing research findings (Newcomer, Hatry, & Wholey, 2015). One effective way to utilize the internet is by conducting literature reviews. Researchers can access a wide range of articles and reports related to their evaluation topic through online resources such as databases, academic journals, and websites. It is crucial for researchers to keep detailed records of their electronic searches, including the search engines, databases used, and specific search terms employed, to ensure a thorough literature review process (Newcomer, Hatry, & Wholey, 2015). Another strategy is to administer online surveys in evaluation studies. These surveys involve collecting quantitative data through standardized questions. They can be conducted in various ways, including in person, over the phone, via mail, or online, allowing for a larger sample size compared to focus groups. While online surveys enable quick data collection, they may not provide the same level of depth as focus groups. However, advancements in technology have made it possible to conduct surveys through wireless communication devices and the internet, although ensuring satisfactory response rates remains a challenge. Survey experts are actively exploring ways to address obstacles related to individuals’ use of multiple media and improve participation rates (Newcomer, Hatry, & Wholey, 2015). Additionally, post-research activities can be employed as another approach in evaluation studies. This method promotes collaboration and productivity among researchers, leading to more robust evaluation studies. Researchers can access secondary data sources through online databases and repositories to complement their primary data collection efforts. Furthermore, utilizing online platforms for post-research activities provides a convenient reference point.
Differentiate between focus groups and other forms of data collection, such as surveys and interviews. Are there advantages to using focus groups over other forms of data collection? If so, what are these?
Focus groups are a form of qualitative research where a small group of individuals convene to engage in discussions about their opinions and experiences, providing a diverse range of perspectives (Newcomer, Hatry, & Wholey, 2015). On the other hand, data collection methods encompass a variety of techniques and procedures employed to gather information for research purposes. These methods can range from simple approaches to more complex experiments. Data collection methods can be broadly classified into surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, and secondary data analysis. These methods are typically more structured compared to focus groups (Newcomer, Hatry, & Wholey, 2015). Focus groups involve group discussions, whereas other data collection methods center on individual interactions or analyses.
Utilizing focus groups over other data collection method offers several advantages. Firstly, focus groups provide cost-effectiveness and time efficiency, as data can be collected from multiple individuals within a single session. In evaluation studies, surveys and interviews are costlier than focus groups due to their personalized interactions with participants, which also requires more time. Furthermore, focus groups provide researchers with the opportunity to observe and document the interactions, dynamics, and evolving norms within a group during discussions. This results in the collection of detailed and comprehensive data, fostering the development of innovative ideas, perspectives, and thoughts. By prompting participants to expand on each other’s contributions, focus groups create a collaborative and interactive environment that enhances the quality of the data gathered (Newcomer, Hatry, & Wholey, 2015).
References:
Newcomer, K. E., Hatry, H. P., & Wholey, J. S. (2015). Handbook of practical program evaluation, 4th Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
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