Tools

Quantitative data are expressed numerically. Qualitative data are in the form of words or themes.

Identify the tools that you will use to collect data and measure success. It is likely that you will use several data collection tools. Our suite of toolkits can help with further guidance.

Common tools

• Feedback sheets or questionnaires (both pre- and post-, or just post-)
• Focus groups
• Interviews
• Surveys
• Document analysis (e.g. project team meeting minutes, progress reports)
• Practice reflection
• Journaling
• Narrative
• Participant observation
• Partnerships analysis.

Tools for measuring success

See examples of tools for measuring the success of community action to prevent alcohol and drug-related harms.

Education sessions

Tools for measuring process

• Training calendar
• Attendance registers
• Feedback sheets or questionnaires
• Focus groups to pre-test resources

Tools for measuring Impact/Outcome

• Feedback sheets or questionnaires (both pre- and post-, or just post-)
• Surveys

Partnership work

Tools for measuring processes

• Partnerships register
• Meeting minutes
• Diary entries
• Project document analysis
• Practice reflection

Tools for measuring impacts/outcomes

• Evidence of how policies and procedures related to preventing alcohol and other drug-related harm are developed and implemented
• Partnerships analysis

Awareness raising

Tools for measuring processes

• Activity tracking data
• Website views
• Product catalogue
• Feedback sheets or questionnaires

Tools for measuring impacts/outcomes

• Calls to an advertised service
• Focus groups
• Surveys

Evaluation partners

You may want to engage the support of a researcher or an external evaluator if you feel this would be beneficial. People with specialist expertise in evaluation can provide advice and guidance on approaches to measuring your success.

Usually you would need to engage this support before you commence delivery of your activity so they can guide you on how and when to collect data.