General instructions

The following issues should be clarified before conducting data collection (adapted from evaluationsnetz, 2005).

• Is it actually possible to obtain the information required? Possible barriers might be data protection requirements, arrangements with staff council,
  resistance of participants, too much effort, etc.
  
  
• Who should be surveyed? Should a random sample be taken or should the whole study population be surveyed? How large should the sample be? (See also Page Sample).
  
  
• Do tools for data collection already exist? Using or adapting existing tools is usually easier and quicker than developing them them from scratch. Please refer to the chapter on Instrument selection to see if there is any information relevant for you ther.
  
  
• Can you manage the instrument? Practice conducting an interview with an interview schedule or using an observation scheme before the “real” data collection.
  
  
• Collect only the data which is required to answer the question, and which can be analysed and interpreted. Consider precisely which data is necessary in order not to put strain on the participant.
  
  
• Who can participate? Discuss with the centre of excellence at your university what support you would receive for the evaluation. Consider which people (lecturers, students, tutors, etc.) can help with the evaluation (e.g. by distributing the questionnaires). Define a timeframe and the form of cooperation.
  
  
• Set up a work schedule. Plan when the tool can be used and when the data collection can occur. Define the corresponding responsibilities and check the deadlines.
  
  
• Plan where the data collection should take place. If the data collection is location-specific, try to find a room with enough space, a pleasant atmosphere and few interfering factors. Check whether the equipment that is necessary for the data collection (e. g. PC) is in place and functioning properly.