This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: In our evaluations, we use varying methods to collect random, representative samples. In most instances, collecting data on all members of a population isn’t feasible (i.e., too expensive and time intensive). Therefore, we rely on sampling […]
Optimizing Excel Charts by Right Justifying Y-Axis Labels
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: The placement of axis labels in our data visualizations plays an important role in enhancing the clarity and impact of our charts. While Excel is a powerful tool for creating impactful data visualizations, its default charts […]
Encrypting and Anonymizing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in Raw Data
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: Introduction As evaluators, we are presented with a swath of data from varying sources, which often contains personally identifiable information (PII). PII includes any data which can be used to identify an individual. These data may […]
Data Visualization Applications: Lollipop Charts – An Alternative to Bar Charts
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: This is an accompanying piece to our Data Visualization Applications: Bar Charts tutorial. While the standard bar chart is one of the simplest and most effective data visualizations, we sometimes want alternatives to freshen up our […]
Data Visualization Applications: Bar Charts
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: This will be the first installment in our Data Visualization Applications series. Here we will outline how to transform your data into effective data visualizations using our own tried and tested Data Visualization Best Practices. And […]
Data Visualization Best Practices: A Practical Guide for Getting the Most out of your Data Viz
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: Data visualization is a powerful means of effectively telling stories with data. Too often the key messages of our data are lost to the confines of some burdensome table or cluttered chart attempting to present too much information. […]
Chart Templates: The Time Saver You Should Be Using
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: Creating clean and consistent charts does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. With some forethought and a style guide, you can draft templates for all your charting needs. Chart templates will alleviate the pains of trying to […]
Sampling bias: identifying and avoiding bias in data collection
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. This article is rated as: Bias in evaluation is inevitable. Reflection helps us to identify our bias and when we do, it is necessary to identify sources of bias in our processes, eliminate which bias we can, and acknowledge which bias we cannot. […]
Finding the Right Sample Size (the Hard Way)
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. In our previous article, ‘Finding the Right Sample Size (the Easy Way)’, we discuss the importance of determining the so-called “correct sample size”. Our recommendation for most applications was to use an online sample size calculator (check out our calculator HERE). However, for […]
Finding the Right Sample Size (the Easy Way)
This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at evalacademy.com. How many respondents do we need to take our survey? Whether it be survey respondents, program participants, or any other group of interest, evaluators are often posed with these “how many” questions. That is, what sample size is required to glean meaningful insight […]