Learning and Evaluation/Archive/Learning modules/3Questions from Existing Surveys

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Using Existing Surveys

Many surveys already exist and many people often use other surveys for their own purposes. Government agencies, universities, nonprofits, private companies, etc. all have many surveys with questions that can be applied for other purposes.

Often times you do not want to use an entire survey, but a set of questions from a survey. Before adopting an existing survey instrument or questions for another survey, consider the following:

• Does the measure seem to be doing what it says it does?

• How close a fit is there between the objectives of the measure and your program or product objectives?

• Is it reliable?

• Is it appropriate for the age and ability level of the audience?