Getting Started

Even before you have collected all your data, you can begin interpreting the emerging trends. This will enable you to make adjustments in your data collection tools or approaches, as needed, to improve the quality of the responses you are getting or to fill information gaps. For example, if survey respondents are frequently skipping a particular question, consider whether rewording the question would result in more responses. In analyzing the data, ask your team to look deeper than simply tabulating results. What do the findings mean about trends and changes in your community? What patterns are occurring? What possible actions should be taken by your program based on what you have learned?