Identifying Data Options

Use the following chart to identify potential sources of data for your evaluation efforts.
Brainstorm what is available to you and link the available data up with an evaluation 
question or indicator. Then you can use the Mapping Data Sources worksheet to indicate 
which options you will choose for each question.

Data Options - Observational Data

Observational data come from directly observing behaviors of 
program participants or other members of a target audience 
or community.

Data Options - Focus Groups/Interviews

Focus groups and interviews are opportunities to get detailed 
descriptive data including people’s perceptions about their experiences 
in a program and reflections on how they have changed.

Data Options - Existing Documents

Existing documents include materials or records that arcollected external to your 
evaluation efforts but whichyou might be able to accessto assist in answering your 
evaluation questions. 

Data Options - Questionnaries

Questionnaires include questions and other items to gauge people’s 
attitudes, behavioral intent, knowledge, and other constructs.

Data Options - Creative Materials

Artistic and creative products like drawings, photos, murals, journal 
entries, poetry, etc. are also sources of data for evaluation.


© 2018 National Sexual Violence Resource Center.