Safety Tips, Identify possible problems, Accurate Data Collection, and Reflection Log

Safety Tips

It's important to think about youth safety during the data collection process. Make sure to discuss with youth things they can do to be safe throughout data collection:

Never work alone, while out in public, to collect data. For example, if youth plan to collect data in the community (and not in school), then encourage them to bring a friend to be with them as they collect data.

Identify possible problems

Discuss with the youth some potential issues that may come up during data collection and identify solutions to possible problems beforehand. For example, problems may include fewer participants than anticipated, time constraints in data collection, or difficulty approaching peers. Make sure youth know you are available to help them and problem-solve things as they come up.

Accurate Data Collection

Maintaining accurate data collection will help the youth stay organized and on top of their work. Compiling their data in one accessible location, keeping all teammates in the loop, and doing their best to make sure their data is precise will set up the youth team for success when analyzing in the next step.

To prevent the data from being biased, encourage youth not to let their own opinions influence the collection. For example, remind youth to avoid talking about questions or giving their own answers to participants. This is especially important because it will be more accurate and helpful for analysis when the data is unbiased

Since data collection will be informal, compared to professional research, youth may find that surveys won ’t be fully completed, interviews may not be detailed, or focus group discussions could be shallow. Don ’t let the shortcomings of informal data collection discourage the youth. Still encourage them to record all of their findings.

Reflection Log

Don ’t forget to have youth continue to reflect on the CNA in team members ’ own personal notes. Keep track of growth and the development of new skills. Have them write about good and bad experiences.

Sharing what teammates have learned will prepare future youth leaders to carry out their own CNAs. Since this step requires teammates to go out, implement a plan, and interact with community members, there is much to reflect on. Check in with the youth team members and ask what they ’ ve written so far. Remind them to continue to do so for the rest of this CNA.