Social Network Analysis
Social network analysis (SNA) is the most appropriate scientific approach to analyzing community networks and inter-organizational collaboration. TCER staff have used SNA with community collaborative projects to understand the levels and changes in relationships and collaboration. This approach provides information that contributes to improvement in community collaborative relationships over time among providers in communities serving specific needs. In projects for which improved or increased community collaboration is a goal, SNA measures can be used as outcome indicators or performance measures. SNA can identify the relative importance and interaction patterns of members as determined by those participating in the network. In addition to reporting key measures of a network, computerized graphic depictions of connections based on these measures are also mapped to provide a visual illustration.
Instrument development and testing
A key element in evaluation and research is the development and use of valid and reliable measures and instruments. Validation typically involves collecting and analyzing data to assess an instrument's or item's ability to measure what it is intended to measure. Reliability addresses how consistently a measurement tool performs. For projects that require this type of service, TCER staff assist in the selection of valid and reliable measures/ instruments for program evaluation which facilitate improved data collection and program improvement.
Focus groups and key informant testing
Over TCER’s history, many projects have benefited from the use of qualitative methodologies. As such, TCER staff have extensive experience developing scripts and prompts that elicit robust responses from participants and respondents as well as facilitating focus groups and individual interviews.
When a research/evaluation design calls for these types of methods, staff will work with clients to determine the number of groups or individuals that need to be included, as well as the level of analysis necessary to produce meaningful data.
Surveys
TCER staff utilize surveys to gather feedback on a wide variety of evaluation and research questions. We have extensive experience in sampling, individual item construction and measurement, overall questionnaire design, and survey administration. TCER staff work with clients to maximize response rates, ask meaningful questions, and analyze and present survey data. We often utilize other methods, such as focus groups or key informant interviews, to complement survey data.
Experimental Design
A well-designed and executed randomized experiment can provide the strongest evidence regarding program effectiveness. Our skilled evaluators will work with you to determine whether a randomized experiment is feasible for your program, implement procedures necessary for a sound experiment, and analyze the results. When randomization is not feasible, we will advise you and implement alternative rigorous designs.