Evaluation Group for the Analysis of Data (EGAD)
Core Areas
EGAD can work with investigators to address any phase of a research project, from research conceptualization to dissemination of project results.
There are five key phases in project development and implementation. The first two phases culminate in the development of a concept paper, which is a few pages long and clearly describes the proposed project, much like an elevator speech.
In the development phase, the investigator evaluates the need for the project, identifies prior studies in the area, and refines study objectives. In the startup phase, the investigators outline the theory, develop an intervention program to address the needs, specify goals and objectives that directly address the needs, and identify measures that assess the goals and objectives. The end result is a coherent description of the entire proposal; a concept paper.
The implementation phase focuses on carrying out the proposed project. How will progress be tracked? How will the investigators ensure the intervention is carried out with fidelity? If problems are identified during the project, how will the management team feed the results of the process assessments back to the staff?
During the analysis phase, investigators utilize the process and outcome data that have been collected, to evaluate the effect of the project on the study outcomes. Dissemination is a key part of any project.
EGAD members have expertise in many statistical and methodological approaches for the analysis of data, and substantial experience in the dissemination of results.
1. Concept development
• Assessment of need
• Clarification of objectives
• Search of existing studies, programs, & measures
2. Startup
- Theory outline
- Program development
- Match theory, methods & measures to objectives
- Concept papers: A critical step in developing studies and articles
3. Implementation
- Tracking of progress
- Problems, Successes and strategies
- Quality control
- Develop monitoring systems (e.g. videotapes of interventions)
- Develop upward & downward reporting and consultation for discoveries & problems
4. Analysis
- Hypothesis testing and generation
- Evaluation
- Develop data quality control for coding, entry, cleaning
- Develop analysis & publication plan
- Statistical Analyses including choosing statistics & sample size estimation
- Statistical areas of expertise: IRT, Hierarchical regression, CFA, small sample size analyses, LFA/LCA
- Develop a plan for interpretation
5. Dissemination
- Maintenance
- Termination
- Presentation of findings
Contact Info
Mende Davis
Email: mfd@arizona.edu
Tel: (520) 626-7820
Mailing Address:
Department of Psychology
1503 E University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85721-0068