Nov 30

The evaluation template is a guideline. Every one will do it differently. The key is to make it clear and let the client know that you can do it. It is also important that the evaluator does the proposal the way that the client wants it done. Evaluators need to keep the client involved. We are reaching the end of the semester to we should not delay the day of our repentance.

Nov 24

Qualitative

Coding Systems

• A Priori-when you develop the codes before
  
• Inductive-is when you create the code as you go
• Then you have to look at the inter rater reliability
  

Enumerate or quantify the codes so that you can begin to see patterns

Negative Case Sampling is when you go those who don't agree with the majority.

Nov 23

Organizing and Collecting the Information

the thing that is done the worst is the data analysis. It doesn't have to be long but it does have to be intelligent.

State and Trait--a trait is more consistent We want to find traits not states. In order to do it we have to have consistent observation.

Descriptive statistics--are used to communicate the essential characteristics of a data set. (20% of students are female (N=20))

Inferential statistics--go beyond the data to infer to a population based on sample data.

Look up the following terms:

Nominal
ordinal
ratio

Nov. 18

There is no correct way to do data collection.

You need to focus your data collection on your questions. Then we start the collection process.

Although you need to look at the literature you don't need to do a literature review.

In the Methods you will describe what data collection is needed, how it will be organized and analyzed, how are you going to report the decisions, and management plan (timelines and budget).

Just because you want to do something doesn't mean that you can do it or afford it.

I need to start answering these questions:
What data is needed to answer the questions?
What are the sources of this information?
What is the best way to get the required information? Who will get it?
Are there any restrictions of challenges involved?
Ask the right people the right question!

Nov. 2

selecting evaluation questions/criteria

the questions should be clear and it will be the foundation for the evaluation
The quality of the evaluation depends on how well use methods to answer the questions

Research questions are not evaluation questions

• research questions are more spicific
• research questions are typically How, What, and Why questions
• research questions involves a stated hypothesis
• evaluation questions answers the "should" questions
• evaluation are based on making decisions (what are the strengths and weaknesses of the program? What resources are needed?)
• neither can truly show "cause and effect"
  

I should have a purpose statement and then some questions. (Look at the PowerPoint presentation for some examples of purpose statements and questions.)

Next time I should have a divergent phase done.