We support data-driven decision making with tools for strengthening programs and measuring impact to serve our clients in a competitive funding landscape.

Program evaluation is the systematic collection and analysis of data to answer questions about program implementation and impact. Formative evaluation informs adjustments during program implementation. Summative evaluation tracks program outcomes and measures impact. Federal and non-federal grant sponsors often encourage or require evaluation to drive continuous learning and to generate evidence about what works.

Social Data is a fee-for-service MSU core facility and an independent resource offering evaluation services for internal and external clients, including grant-funded researchers and programs, community organizations, state and local governments, and commercial entities looking to demonstrate accountability and measure success.Our evaluation services include formative and summative evaluation design, needs assessment, data collection and analysis, reporting, and storytelling.

Services

Evaluation design

  • Clarify your project or program objectives and generate evaluative questions
  • Develop your theory of action or logic model
  • Identify metrics to track progress toward your goals
  • Generate a plan for your research proposal

Data collection and management

  • Coordinate information gathering from a range of stakeholders
  • Conduct interviews and focus groups
  • Design and implement surveys
  • Integrate existing data

Data analysis and interpretation

  • Impact analysis and causal inference
  • Thematic and content analyses
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Benchmarking

Reporting and dissemination

  • Produce data visualizations and interactive data dashboards
  • Synthesize findings into actionable insights and program narrative
  • Deliver presentations and reports
  • Support manuscript preparation

Evaluation capacity-building

  • Training workshops
  • Evaluation toolkits
  • Consultation and office hours

Our services are customizable, client focused, and collaborative.

Social Data can deliver end-to-end evaluations, or contribute specific components of your evaluation. We work in close collaboration with our clients to ensure our products are useful and informative.

Learn More

Schedule a time to consult with our Evaluation Scientist about your evaluation needs. Fill out an expression of interest form to learn more.

 

Interest Form