189: Exploring Divergent Insights: Comparing Focus Group Discussions and Individual Surveys in Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is a cornerstone of effective educational and social initiatives, providing insights into their impact, efficiency, and areas for improvement. However, the methods used to collect data can significantly shape the findings, influencing how participants articulate their experiences and perspectives. Among the various data collection techniques, focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual surveys are two commonly employed methods that offer distinct advantages and challenges. This study seeks to explore how, if at all, participant findings differ between these two methods when evaluating the Fortaleza Inc's Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), a program designed to empower Hispanic-Latino/a/x/e high school students in Lowell, Massachusetts. By comparing the responses obtained through FGDs and individual surveys, this research aims to enhance best practices in program evaluation, ensuring that evaluators select the most appropriate methods for capturing comprehensive and reliable data.

Negin Yazdani – Research Assistant, School of Education, University of Massachusetts, Lowell