WRMA has solid expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-format data collection instrument (e.g., survey questionnaire, discussion guides, and observation protocols) development and implementation for many projects. Instruments, which we have designed and fielded, have ranged in size from a few items up to hundreds of items. Instrument design is conducted with specialists in the subject matter and specialists in instrument design working together. Pilot testing, as well as client review and input, is a critical part of instrument design. We are familiar with Office of Management and Budget review processes and also maintain our own Institutional Review Board, which reviews all research instruments. We have administered data collection activities through all modalities including in-person, telephone, mail, run time automated applications, etc. Training in fielding the data instruments is a critical part of the instrument development and we have developed detailed protocols and instruction guides/manuals for training. In many instances our instruments have continued to be used by our clients after the initial study. We invariably achieve the required response rates and usually exceed these requirements.
Examples of our Instrument Development work include:
- First 5 Sacramento Services Evaluation
- Multiple Homeless Studies - Department of Housing and Urban Development
- California Family Preservation Evaluation
- Increasing Access to Care: AIDS Research and Beyond-Ryan White CARE Act Data Coordination and Technical Assistance Center
- National Study of Child Protective Services Systems and Reform Efforts
