Quantitative research in evaluation – for what purpose?
Evaluation is a field in which evaluators are looking for mechanisms within program that bring about effects. The practice of evaluation involves making a judgement and also often testing a hypothesis of explanation of a theory. In order to make a sound judgement or test a theory, the evaluator needs to gather evidence, either in […]
Read moreNumbers or words? The qualitative vs quantitative debate
Over the past 20 years or so, a debate over the relative virtues of quantitative and qualitative methodology has gained considerable momentum. In the field of social research and evaluation, quantitative research has been considered as the more ‘traditional’ approach to addressing a research question. Decades ago, researchers advocating for the use of qualitative methods […]
Read moreQuantitative or qualitative research? Which one to use?
If you have a research or evaluation question or issue you want to explore, how you do you know whether you need to collect qualitative or quantitative information? Your research or evaluation consultant will be able to advise you but here are some things for you […]
Read moreFour market research techniques that will become obsolete before we can imagine
Do you have gadgets that are being superseded before you even get a chance to use them? I certainly do. Some online tools I am using for evaluation projects are being superseded within the course of the project timeline. But it is not just the evolution of technology that seems to be driving trends in […]
Read moreHow do you know what you need to know?
So, you have a research or evaluation project ready to put out to tender. How do you know what information you need to know? How do you know what approach to take in order to address your questions? A capable and skilled consultant can work through this for you or with you, but in the […]
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