changelabsolutions.org 10 Use a Variety of Methods to Collect Data Each method of collecting and analyzing data offers a different set of strengths and weaknesses. The best method for any situation will depend on the capacity and skills level of the people involved, as well as what they’re interested in measuring. All of the sample metrics in this document can be measured through at least one of the methods described in this section. Document Review Reviewing reports, plans, performance ratings, funding proposals, meeting minutes, web pages, marketing materials, and other documents can provide insight into decisions, processes, and actions that have taken place in the past, are currently being implemented, or are planned for the future. This method is relatively inexpensive, doesn’t burden other people, and can provide good background information, but it can be time-consuming if the documents are incomplete, poorly organized, or outdated. Audits An audit, sometimes called a site assessment, is ideal for making direct observations of behavior, events, or physical spaces. This method is often used to assess transportation corridors for safety, access, comfort, and convenience, and it can be applied to park and neighborhood spaces too. Rather than relying on people’s willingness or ability to provide accurate information, direct observation involves watching an event or activity unfold in its natural setting. Direct observation accounts for the fact that people who know they’re being watched behave differently, since observers should follow social norms and be inconspicuous, not drawing undue attention or inadvertently influencing people’s behavior. Direct observation at audits can also be used to gather data about existing infrastructure in and around parks. Because audits rely on people’s observations and perceptions, they can introduce or reinforce institutional bias. People — in this case, the observers — involuntarily filter and interpret what they see, and not always strictly empirically. Training for people conducting the audit or observations can help establish consistency and mitigate bias in the data collection. Although audits can be time-consuming and may require some training to conduct, they are useful for gathering real-time data in situations where existing data are unreliable or outdated, and gaining a better perspective on how people experience the space. Using the “street view” function of online maps can be an alternative way to get information if observers cannot be physically present at the location due to distance, time or capacity constraints, or other reasons.
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