Data Collection

New or Existing Data?

Most programs collect some information that is potentially useful for evaluation. At the outset, the evaluation needs to assess what data already exist, what the quality of the data are, and whether they are readily available in a useable form. The answers to these questions will help to determine whether existing data can be used, or whether new data must be collected.

When planning an evaluation, the evaluator must determine whether existing or new data will be used in data analysis. The advantage of using new data is the greater control an evaluator has over the measures, procedures, and data collection staff, which can contribute to greater reliability and validity of the data. Using existing data has the advantage of cost savings, because time, effort, and other resources are not spent on collecting new data.

Learn More...

Data Collection (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

How Do You Get the Information You Need for Your Evaluation? (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Obtaining Information for Evaluations - Use Existing Data or Collect New Information? (National Institute of Justice)

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