ERIC Number: EJ1107405
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jun
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1077-5315
EISSN: N/A
Better Crunching: Recommendations for Multivariate Data Analysis Approaches for Program Impact Evaluations
Braverman, Marc T.
Journal of Extension, v54 n3 Article 3FEA1 Jun 2016
Extension program evaluations often present opportunities to analyze data in multiple ways. This article suggests that program evaluations can involve more sophisticated data analysis approaches than are often used. On the basis of a hypothetical program scenario and corresponding data set, two approaches to testing for evidence of program impact are compared. These approaches are (a) a bivariate approach involving contingency table analysis (chi-square, Kendall's tau tests) and (b) a multivariate approach involving logistic regression. Both approaches address the primary evaluation questions, but the multivariate approach introduces additional variables, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of program dynamics. Multivariate approaches can enhance insights about programs and increase opportunities for dissemination of research results.
Descriptors: Extension Education, Program Evaluation, Data Analysis, Multivariate Analysis, Regression (Statistics), Evaluation Methods, Nutrition Instruction, Pretests Posttests, Questionnaires
Extension Journal, Inc. e-mail: joe-ed@joe.org; Web site: http://www.joe.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A