Which two data collection methods are appropriate for process evaluation?

• A. Observation and document review
• B. Surveys and experiments
• C. Interviews and focus groups
• D. Randomized trials

Answer: (A)

Process evaluation aims to understand how a program is delivered—what activities actually occur, who delivers them, when they happen, and how faithfully the planned procedures are followed. Observation and document review are a powerful combination for this purpose. Observation lets you see in real time what unfolds during implementation—the sequence of steps, interactions, resource use, and whether practices align with the intended protocol. Document review provides objective records of what was done, such as attendance logs, service delivery records, policy manuals, training materials, and usage data. Together, they give a concrete, evidence-based picture of the implementation process without relying solely on participants’ memories or perceptions.

Surveys and experiments bring different strengths but are not as well-suited on their own for mapping implementation. Surveys can capture stakeholders’ perceptions or self-reported practices, which are helpful for understanding experiences and potential barriers but may be biased or incomplete for actual delivery. Experiments and randomized trials focus on testing causal effects under controlled conditions, which is more aligned with impact evaluation than with describing how the process unfolds in real settings. Interviews and focus groups provide rich qualitative insights into why the process happens the way it does, but they are most informative when used in combination with observational and documentary data to corroborate what really occurred.