Program Evaluation Training: Research Tools & Techniques


Course Delivery

Live Instructor-Led Training

Course Description

The course Research Tools & Techniques (Program Evaluation Training) delves further into evaluation research designs for real-world program evaluation. Using case studies to push your research prowess, this training covers a range of evaluation study design, research methods, and qualitative and quantitative tools and analysis.

Course Dates and Pricing


Feb 12 - 14, 2025$2,750.00Mar 12 - 14, 2025$2,750.00Apr 16 - 18, 2025$2,750.00May 14 - 16, 2025$2,750.00Jun 11 - 13, 2025$2,750.00Jul 16 - 18, 2025$2,750.00

Course Outline

Introduction and Overview

Review of evaluation fundamentals
Importance of context
Values and ethics

Elements of an Evaluation Framework (Review)

Evaluation frameworks - various fields, contexts
Developing S.M.A.R.T outcomes, indicators, measures and metrics
Criteria for choosing an evaluation design
Criteria for choosing evaluation methods

Exploratory Designs

What are exploratory designs
Examples of exploratory designs
Strengths and limitations

Descriptive Designs

What are descriptive designs
Examples of descriptive designs
Strengths and limitations

Alternative designs

What are alternative design evaluations
Examples of descriptive designs
Strengths and limitations

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs?

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs?
The regression framework for impact analysis
The regression-discontinuity design
The comparative change design
The criterion population design
Time-Series designs

Research Methods in Evaluation

Numerical data (demographic, financial, assessments)
Observation and immersion
Interviews
Surveys
Focus groups
Content analysis of visual and textual materials
Oral history

Data Analysis

Mapping data to evaluation questions and study design
Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
Data Management Tools
Correlation versus causation
Data checking - bias, error, relevance, reliability, validity
Data visualization and presentation

Data Analysis - Quantitative

Types of quantitative analysis - univariate, bivariate, multivariate, inferential statistical analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, etc.
Strengths and limitations of quantitative data
How to do quantitative analysis - preparation, variable types, process, tools
Interpreting findings

Data Analysis - Qualitative

Types of qualitative analysis - narrative, content, netnography, grounded theory, ethnomethodology, etc.
Strengths and limitations of qualitative data
How to do qualitative analysis - process, tools, templates
Quantifying qualitative data
Interpreting findings

Course Locations

  • Ottawa

  • Montreal

  • Toronto

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