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Delivering value-added results and innovative outcomes to the Social Services sector
The variety of research methodologies used at Clarity allows us to meet any evaluation needs. With extensive experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research (hybrid methods), the team at Clarity Research has excellent knowledge of practical methods of analysis. We believe that every project requires a unique approach, rather than a 'one size fits all' strategy. In the current economic environment, it is more important than ever that services can show they are effective.
In
short, using hybrid methods means using many different research approaches to
answer a question. The point of the research often determines the best way to
answer the question and part of our expertise is clarifying what questions
need to be asked. Using hybrid methods can most effectively provide an answer
to any question.
In research an answer is always more the sum of it's parts, Clarity Research
uses hybrid methods to provide answers where traditional methods can prove cumbersome
or ineffective.
The purpose of an evaluation varies according the requirements of the organisation. These purposes often include improvement of service provision, the attraction of funding, and exploring new service delivery opportunities.
Evaluations are generally multifaceted and involve analyses of various aspects of the organisation. This reflective process has the potential to highlight new possibilities and ways of improving service provision. External evaluations are useful in proving the value of services provided by any organisation.
As part of the evaluation process Clarity Research can offer:
• Evaluation design and implementation
• Process and programme evaluation
• Formative evaluation
• Experimental research
• Outcome evaluation
• Along with a range of other methods combining both quantitative and
qualitative methodologies whats this?
Our researchers have a high level of expertise in data collection and providing
valuable analysis and insight for the organisations we work with. This includes:
• Formulating and clarifying research questions
• Constructing and administering effective questionnaires
• Focus groups
• Key informant interviews
• Literature reviews
• Policy analysis
• In-depth and innovative data analysis
We have made our reputation on designing and conducting surveys that deliver high-quality data. Quality survey data are the basis of comprehensive and dependable research. Our hybrid survey research capabilities allow us to meet any data collection need.
For more information contact Clarity Research on info@clarityresearch.co.nz
The purpose of evaluation is to understand why things work well or why things don't work. Evaluation also allows you to consider possible improvements.
Clarifying
the jargon:Quantitative research: focuses on measurable data including statistics, percentages, and variables.
Qualitative research: seeks to obtain subjective data such as peoples' attitudes or opinions.
Quantitative methods were traditionally thought of as adequate for research
and even today, many people prefer to ‘see the numbers’. On the
other hand, in the area of outcome evaluations, many evaluation consultants
are experienced in qualitative methods but lack an understanding of quantitative
methodologies. However, generally it is more appropriate to utilise a combination
of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to arrive at the most appropriate
and full examination of a programme. Quantitative evaluations are sometimes
conceptualised as the skeleton of an evaluation, while qualitative methods add
‘flesh’ to the argument. More and more often funders are demanding
a combination of methodologies to 'see the numbers' and also get a feel for
qualitative aspects of a service.
If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be
called research, would it?
Albert Einstein