M3.07. Conducting evaluation of the mentoring process
2. Use of Quantitative Methods
2.2. Surveys
There are two major ways for collecting quantitative data: (a) surveys and (b) tests and assessments.
Surveys are one of the most popular ways to collect quantitative data. In a survey, a questionnaire is distributed to a group of people to complete. While such questionnaires could include open-ended questions, closed-ended questions are typically used to collect quantitative data. The advantage of this, is that statistical analysis can be applied easily to responses to closed-ended questions.
Methods of Survey Delivery
Once you have developed your evaluation survey, you must now decide your method of delivery. There are a few methods of survey delivery to be considered when evaluating a mentoring programme.
| Survey Method | When to use |
| Handout surveys (the questionnaire is handed out for people to complete in paper form or on a tablet [e.g., iPad]) |
You want to capitalise on who is available The people you want to survey may be infrequently available or accessible. |
| Internet or web-based surveys | You need results relatively quickly. The people you want to survey are competent Internet users. Your survey is short and simple. Your survey is more complex with skip patterns (e.g., responses to a question determine which questions to be answered later, etc.). |
| Face-to-face surveys (you go over the questionnaire in person) |
Your survey questions are too complex and may need in-person explanation. There is concern that people would not respond willingly unless someone they trust is present to reassure them about the content of the questions. Poor response rate expected using other survey methods. Resources are not restricted, and competent interviewers are committed to administer the survey consistently and properly. |