Assessment at Baruch

Methods for Collecting Assessment Data

• Survey: collecting standardized information through structured questionnaires to generate quantitative data. Surveys may be mailed, sent electronically, completed on-site or through face-to-face or telephone interviews.  Sample surveys use probability sampling while informal surveys do not.

• Interviews: information collected by talking with and listening to people, either face-to-face or over the telephone. Interviews range on a continuum from tightly structured (as in a survey) to free-flowing, conversational interviews. 

• Observation: collecting information through “seeing” and “listening.”  Observations may be structured or unstructured. 

• Document Analysis: use of content analysis and other techniques to analyze and summarize printed material and existing information. 

• Case Study: in-depth examination of a particular case (program, group of participants, single individual, site/location).  Case studies use multiple sources of information and methods to provide as complete a picture as possible.

• Group Assessment:  use of the group process to collect assessment information such as nominal group technique, focus group, Delphi, brainstorming and community forums. 

• Expert or Peer Review: examination by a review committee, panel of experts or peers.

• Portfolio Reviews: collection of materials, including samples of work that encompass the breadth and scope of the program/activity being evaluated.

• Testimonials: individual statements by people indicating personal responses and reactions. 

• Tests: use of established standards to assess knowledge, skill or performance as in pen-and-pencil tests or skills tests.

• Photographs, Slides or Videos:  use of photography to capture visual images. 

• Diaries or Journals:  recording of events over time revealing the personal perspective of the writer/recorder. 

• Logs:  recording of chronological entries, which are usually brief and factual. 

• Other:

Creative Expression: use of art forms to represent people’s ideas and feelings through stories, drama, dance, music and art.

Unobtrusive Measures:  the gathering of information without the knowledge of the people in the setting such as the wear and tear on a “planted” mat in front of a display.

Adapted from Ellen Taylor-Powell, 1998, pp. 57