Quantitative Methods
This type of data is great for measuring things like participation, satisfaction, and progress.
Surveys and Questionnaires
Track satisfaction, belonging, and goal achievement with rating scales and multiple-choice items.
Program Activity Logs
Simple logs of meeting frequency, time spent, or milestones reached.
Pre- and Post-Program Assessments
Measure growth in skills, confidence, or knowledge over time.
Qualitative Methods
This type of data helps you understand the "why" behind the numbers. It provides rich context and personal stories.
Interviews
Capture personal experiences, barriers, and breakthroughs in depth.
Focus Groups
Gather shared perspectives in a group setting to surface common patterns.
Journals or Portfolios
Encourage ongoing participant reflections or creative portfolios.
Open-Ended Feedback Forms
Add space in surveys for unstructured input you might not anticipate.
Success Stories
Collect written, video, or audio stories of transformation and learning.
Tips and Reminders
- Keep it lightweight → Aim for 1–2 methods from each column per cycle.
- Ask at the right time → Collect midpoint + close-out data, then follow up selectively.
- Mix methods → Pair one quantitative tool (survey, logs) with one qualitative tool (interviews, stories) for a fuller picture.
- Keep surveys short → 5–7 focused questions is usually enough.
- Ensure anonymity → Especially for sensitive questions on trust or psychological safety.
- Use what you collect → Share back highlights with participants and leadership — don’t let feedback sit in a file.
- Reuse templates → Adapt existing forms and prompts each cycle instead of starting over.