Here at CRC, we’re always fans of measuring the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons. And that includes measuring advocacy efforts. You may think that measuring advocacy efforts and social change movements is impossible. It’s definitely true that it can be challenging to do because evaluating advocacy is very different from evaluating direct service work. The theory of change is going to be more complex, and it’s harder to identify the direct links from your advocacy activities to people’s responses.
Do you love colored pens? Making to do lists? Do you like the idea of working with social service programs and nonprofits that help make peoples lives better? Do you have a killer work ethic, but seek a relaxed work environment?
Carson Research Consulting could be for you,
if. . .
You are described by friends and co-workers as "kick ass," in the nicest possible way. You are competent, creative, trustworthy, engaging, organized, and an all-around people-person.
A Message From Team CRC
All of us at CRC wish to send out a hearty **THANK YOU **and HAPPY NEW YEAR to our many clients, partners, collaborators, and friends. We thank you for helping our firm to have another successful year in 2017, in which we were honored to help organizations and agencies – large and small, local and national – to demonstrate and tell their stories of the important work they do.
by Sheila
Data visualization involves the presentation of data in a graphical format with the goal of communicating complex information more clearly and efficiently to audiences. Effective visualizations make complex data more accessible, understandable, and usable. And sometimes even fun to look at! I like visualizing data because like many others, Im a visual learner.
If you consider that 90% of information that comes to the brain is visual, and that the brain processes visual information 60,000 faster than text, then you start to understand why visualizing complex data is beneficial in both research and evaluation.
by Mandi
Here at CRC, weve been focused on working smarter, not harder, by utilizing different skills and adding new tools to our tool belt. One of those tools is Python, and it has been a lifesaver for streamlining our data processes, saving us time and increasing productivity.
What is Python?
Python is a simple, yet powerful programming language that is relatively easy to learn. It can be used for a variety of things, including to create practical programs that automate tasks on your computer, as a support language for software developers, and in web and internet development.
_by Dana _
What is a Data Model?
In semi-technical terms, A data model is a set of symbols and text used for communicating a precise representation of an information landscape. (Hoberman, 2016, p.13). In laymans terms (i.e., my interpretation) a data model is similar to a blueprint used when building a house. It contains lines and shapes denoting the location of where the different rooms will be located, and where the different pipes and wirings will go, so that the builders can use it as reference during the construction of the house.
by Taj
This is the third and final post in a series about design thinking in evaluation. I’ve found that designers and evaluators grapple with similar issues, so the goal of this series is to share insights from the world of design that may help you think differently about data collection and visualization and, hopefully, start a broader conversation about what the world of social sciences can learn from the world of design.
by Jill
(Re-post from AEA365; see the original here.)
At CRC Im the word nerd, implementing our qualitative projects. Like many evaluators, Ive had to translate academically-honed skills to the often faster-paced world of evaluation. A recent project for a county health departments substance abuse initiative provides an example of how I tailor qualitative methods to meet clients needs.
Hot Tips
Allot ample time for clarifying goals. As with all good research, methods choices flow from the question at hand.
by Sheila Matano [su_youtube url=“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx7WLlJzrlw”]
Recently, CRC has been working with several clients who are evaluating initiatives to combat substance misuse and abuse. In particular, these agencies have been concerned with how their local communities have been impacted by the problem of drug overdoses and opioid-involved deaths, which have markedly increased in the United States over the past decade (CDC.gov).
More than six out of ten drug overdose deaths involve an opioid, and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose (Rudd, Seth, & Scholl, 2016).
by Mandi Singleton
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth? Many of my clients are, and the time, effort, and money they put into creating killer programs is proof enough that they are invested in forming positive and meaningful experiences for the young people that they work with.
BUT, how do program directors really know they are creating quality experiences for youth? How exactly is this measured?
