What are data collection methods in evaluation?

Data collection methods in evaluation are fundamentally about the techniques used to gather information. These methods are essential in the evaluation process because they provide the necessary data to assess a program's effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance. By employing various data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and focus groups, evaluators can obtain quantitative and qualitative data that inform their analysis and conclusions.

Understanding the nature of data collection ensures that the information gathered is reliable and valid, which is crucial for drawing accurate insights and making informed conclusions about the evaluation subject. The focus here is on the systematic gathering of relevant information to support decision-making and provide a basis for improvement.

While other options address relevant components of an evaluation, they do not directly pertain to the gathering of information, which is at the heart of data collection methods.