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25 Bloomfield Ave., Depew, NY 14043 (716) 816-5582 (phone); (866) 817-7812 (fax) info@catalystresearch.net |
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Services
Catalyst Research offers a range of research and evaluation services that are essential from the earliest stages of program development through summative program evaluation and beyond. At Catalyst Research, we pride ourselves on providing the services you need in a hands-on, collaborative manner.
Here are some ways Catalyst Research can work with you or your organization:
| Logic Model Development | A critical way of describing your program and its effects, a logic model can give grant reviewers, key stakeholders, program staff, and the larger community a succinct view of how and why your program works.
At Catalyst Research, we can show you how to create logic models, work with you in creating the model itself, or provide suggestions on how and when to use your completed model. |
| Formative Evaluation | Also known as process evaluation, a formative evaluation addresses the implementation of your program and its elements. A formative evaluation uncovers and examines the processes that make your program tick.Please see the survey research, interviewing, and site observation sections of this page to learn about key elements of formative evaluation.
At Catalyst Research, we perform formative evaluations, collaborate with program staff on the techniques used for such evaluations, and provide reports to the audiences that are most important to you. |
| Summative Evaluation | The summative evaluation addresses the outcomes of your program. Did the program change what you wanted? Is there a correlation between program elements and intended program outcomes? A summative evaluation looks at the endpoint of your program and is generally required for state- and federally-funded grant programs.
At Catalyst Research, we perform summative evaluations, keep key program staff aware of the data needed to fulfill evaluation requirements, and report to community stakeholders who want or need to know about your program. |
| Survey Research | A staple of social research and evaluation, surveys gather pointed information from key groups of people. Although surveys appear easy to create and administer on the surface, there are many factors to consider when looking to engage in survey research.
At Catalyst Research, we create paper and online surveys based on program objectives or client needs, assist in administration to make the process efficient and valid, analyze the data when they are finalized, incorporate the results in formative and summative evaluations, and report on outcomes to your key audiences. |
| Interviews and Focus Groups | When you want a depth of information usually unavailable through survey research, you may need interviews or focus groups. These methods generally gather less information than surveys, but the results are much richer in detail.Interviews and focus groups see best results when trained facilitators are used.
At Catalyst Research, we collaborate with program staff to set interview or focus group schedules, facilitate interviews and focus groups, analyze the data, incorporate the results in formative and summative evaluations, and report on outcomes to your key audiences. |
| Site Observations | A good way to assess fidelity of implementation is through observation. Evaluators can enter and observe a program to assess implementation of curricula and interactions between program staff and participants. Observers trained in ethnographic methods can often pick up on dynamics that contribute to success or shortcomings of a program.
At Catalyst Research, we collaborate with program staff to determine what and who will be observed and the reasons for the observation. Observation protocols can be developed, analyzed, and reported on at length or in executive summary style for program directors or other key stakeholders. |
| Environmental Scans | Our surroundings tell us volumes about the health and norms of our communities. A formal environmental scan allows trained researchers to dissect the elements of our environment for the purpose of understanding what our community is "saying."
At Catalyst Research, we perform environmental scans that are key for needs assessments, grant opportunities, and a general understanding of what communities have and/or need. We can collaborate with you to perform an environmental scan according to your needs and then report on findings from the scan. |
| Needs Assessments | The first step in developing your program is knowing what you need. As needs are perceived differently by different stakeholders in the community, a formal needs assessment incorporates myriad techniques used to demonstrate and support need. When done properly, a needs assessment can launch one program while providing additional information on how your community can inspire positive change.
At Catalyst Research, we collaborate on formal needs assessments for a wide range of organizations. From the simplest to most complicated settings, we bring survey research, archival data, interviews, and other techniques to bear on the needs of your community. |
| Program Development | Program development requires knowledge of the structure and elements of your proposed program. From choosing model interventions to awareness of best practices for garnering community interest and support in your program, program development demands collaboration, research, and experience.
At Catalyst Research, we stay connected with current research on best practices, model interventions, and appropriate research techniques - all incorporated into program development sessions. Our experience can help us guide you toward what works, what doesn't, and everything in between. |
| Grant Writing | An art form in itself, writing successful grants takes planning, expertise, and a clear vision of what you want from your program. A successful grant writer is adept in grant opportunities, grant requirements, elements of the program, budgeting, and evaluation.
At Catalyst Research, our team of evaluators and researchers has 10 years of experience in writing, reviewing, and editing grants. Our experience allows us to write grants on behalf of clients or consult on elements of grant proposals as needed. |
| info@catalystresearch.net | 317 Crosby Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217 | (716) 816-5582 | ©2007 Catalyst Research LLC |