Measurement Tools

Results Topics

Measurement tools provide assistance in assessing program performance. Measurement guidance defines the measures used to evaluate success and program results. The enforcement and compliance assurance program has designed an approach for using performance measurement data as a management tool.

The tools discussed here include a variety of checklists, surveys, pre-tests and post-tests used for measuring activity outcomes. These measurement tools include some used by EPA employees and a list of generic questions that can be be modified to assess the results of specific compliance activities or projects. These measurement tools are organized by sector and statute.

Specific information on measuring compliance assistance and enforcement cases is also available here. The compliance assistance information includes the main measurement tools used by EPA to ensure compliance assistance (checklists, surveys, pre-tests and post-tests), the Compliance Assistance Conclusion Data Sheet (CACDS) and other compliance assistance guides. The Guide to Calculating Environmental Benefits of Enforcement Cases: FY2005 CCDS Update (PDF 2.68MB, 144 pp., About PDF) is available here for guidance on enforcement case pollutant reduction measurement.

In using these tools it is important to review and edit the survey questions to ensure that they meet the survey goals. When modifying questions, keep in mind the four major stumbling blocks to good questions:

1. Relevance: Each question should have a specific reason why it is being asked.

2. Ambiguous: Avoid words that can be misinterpreted.

3. Overlapping categories: For example, Select your age group: a.(20 -25) or b.(25-30). Which category should a 25-year old select?

4. Double-barreled questions: Do not address two different issues in the same question, such as awareness and understanding. Use only understanding because that is the desired outcome.

Measurement Tools

Results Topics

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