How Do Mode and Timing of Follow-up Surveys Affect Evaluation Success?

• Published in: Journal of extension Vol. 54; no. 1
• Main Authors: Koundinya, Vikram, Klink, Jenna, Deming, Philip, Meyers, Andrew, Erb, Kevin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Extension Journal, Inc 01-02-2016
• Subjects: Evaluation Methods; Extension Education; Followup Studies; Intervals; Outcome Measures; Program Evaluation; Questionnaires; Research Design; Research Methodology; Response Rates (Questionnaires); Scheduling; Success; Surveys; Test Format
• ISSN: 1077-5315; 1077-5315
• DOI: 10.34068/joe.54.01.18

This article presents the analysis of evaluation methods used in a well-designed and comprehensive evaluation effort of a significant Extension program. The evaluation data collection methods were analyzed by questionnaire mode and timing of follow-up surveys. Response rates from the short- and long-term follow-ups and different questionnaire modes by occupational categories also were examined. Overall, the electronic questionnaire mode and 2-month follow-ups yielded significantly higher response rates. The findings have implications for meaningfully evaluating Extension programs operating with limited resources. The recommendations are useful to Extension educators who need to decide how to capture program outcomes but have limited resources.