Choosing data sources and the people they’re applied to

If your indicators are specific, usually they will suggest the data source to measure it as well as the people in the target audience it should be applied to.

What people or program data will the indicator be applied to? Consider the following issues.

Examine the visuals below to explore issues related to each program. For background on programs, click the Cases tab above.

Some or all of the target audience?
Remember that your target audience is usually stated in general characteristics and you may only involve part of that audience in your program as participants. 

Some or all of the participants?

People other than the participants?

Remember: Collecting data costs time and money. Collect only enough information to figure out if your program is successful, so be specific and concrete. Consider the difference in costs between collecting information about “children” and “children who need after-school tutoring.” Or do you mean “children who participate in at least five tutoring sessions?" If you expect 100 children to meet this criterion, should you say instead “a random sample of children who participate in at least five tutoring sessions”?

Click on the Museum or Library icon below to see an example.