Elements of a Good Data Report

A good evaluation report clearly describes what outcomes were achieved as well as those that were not accomplished. The information in the report should be clear and understandable to those not involved directly with the implementation of the strategy.

Elements of a good outcome evaluation report include:

• Description of program components, implementation setting, and target population
• Theory of Change or logic model showing expected changes in outcomes
• Clearly articulated evaluation design and methods
• Outcomes that are clearly connected to program components
• Assessment measures used (including why these are valid/reliable measures of outcomes)
• Appropriate statistical tests applied
• Statistical significance of tests reported
• Statistical results and how these were interpreted
• Qualitative data to support outcomes
• Limitations of evaluation findings
• Recommendations for program improvements

Developed under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies contract. Reference #HHSS277200800004C. For training and/or technical assistance purposes only.