In this course, students will critically review the methods through which program evaluators in education, health and human services manage, analyze and summarize quantitative and qualitative data to answer identified evaluation questions. Students will learn about a range of different quantitative and qualitative analytic techniques including basic descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, coding and content analysis, and explore these through hand-on activities. Students also will have hands-on practice with various computer programs for data analysis (e.g., SPSS). By the end of the course, students will be able to select and conduct appropriate data analysis methods and analyze and interpret findings to answer identified evaluation questions.
In this course students apply the principles and methods of program evaluation through a variety of applied activities that relate to pertinent topical areas in the educational, human services and public health fields. Through group and individual activities, students practice and refine skills in: identifying program goals and objectives; creating measurements for these goals, designing appropriate data collection instruments; analyzing and interpreting data; and using data to modify and improve programs. Students explore issues of program implementation and fidelity, working within local contexts and cultures, evaluation ethics, and managing competing expectations.