IHDD's Research and Evaluation Unit (REU) provides a full range of applied research and program evaluation services including needs assessments, creating logic models, conducting formative and summative evaluations, developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, grant writing, survey research, measurement development, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, producing reports and presentations of findings.
Through research studies, we help answer important social questions and help support informed and accountable decision making. We help programs design and implement evaluation plans that help them understand what they need to improve their program and how to report to funding agencies. During this process, we help programs to:
- Develop logic models(to articulate the underlying program theory)
- Identify essential evaluation questions
- Develop valid and reliable measures
- Collect data and develop data management systems
- Analyze and help interpret data for reporting and program improvement purposes
- Communicate evaluation results to relevant stakeholders
We have experience in both randomized control evaluations using large data sets and qualitative focus groups. We use a variety of qualitative research and evaluation methods including interviews, focus groups, document reviews, artifact or record reviews, case studies, literature/internet searches, and on-site observations. We utilize a variety of data analysis soft wares as needed including SPSS, Excel, MPlus, R, Qualtrics, NVivo and Observer among others.
Our Approach
We tend to adopt a strengths-based appreciative inquiry approach and often use a mixed-method approach to research and evaluation. We help design evaluations that are resource-efficient, can be easily utilized, in a manner that does not overburden the program staff. We place a high premium on being unbiased, ethical, rigorous and collaborative.
Our Clients
We work with government as well as non-profit agencies, educational, healthcare and social service agencies, community organizations, and private enterprises at the local, state, national, and international levels. Our clients include National Institute on Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Georgia Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (GVRA), Administration on Children and Families (ACF), AIDS Athens, Aga Khan Foundation Block grants program (AKF), Georgia AgrAbility project (GA-NAP), Georgia Farm Again project among others. We work collaboratively with clients, providing frequent feedback and personalized services.
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team has a pooled experience of over 30 years. We have content expertise in a wide range of subject areas, including disability studies, early intervention, early childhood, school-age, youth development, post-school transition, family engagement, cultural competence, social services, to name a few.
Hamida Jinnah
Evaluation Director
Zolinda Stoneman
Evaluation Advisor
