CGA CGA Data Management & Reporting Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A grant program is collecting participant outcome data using a pre/post survey design. What is the most important consideration for data validity?
- Ensuring the survey is short to maximize completion rates
- Using validated instruments aligned with the program's theory of change (Correct answer)
- Allowing participants to self-select into control groups
- Conducting surveys only at program end
Correct answer: Using validated instruments aligned with the program's theory of change
Using validated instruments aligned with the theory of change ensures the data actually measures the intended outcomes and produces credible results.
Question 2: What is the primary reason a CGA should establish data-sharing agreements with partner organizations before collecting joint program data?
- To share data freely without restrictions
- To define legal and ethical parameters for data access, use, and storage across partners (Correct answer)
- To transfer all data responsibility to the partner
- To reduce the volume of data collected
Correct answer: To define legal and ethical parameters for data access, use, and storage across partners
Data-sharing agreements establish the legal and ethical framework governing how shared data may be accessed, used, and protected by each partner.
Question 3: Which type of grant performance report compares actual program results against targets set in the original grant application?
- A baseline assessment report
- A performance progress report (PPR) (Correct answer)
- A financial audit report
- A needs assessment report
Correct answer: A performance progress report (PPR)
A performance progress report compares actual results against the targets established in the grant application, demonstrating accountability for outcomes.
Question 4: A federal grant requires the use of common data elements (CDEs). Why is this requirement important?
- To limit the types of programs that can be funded
- To enable cross-program data comparison and federal portfolio analysis (Correct answer)
- To reduce the burden on individual grantees
- To standardize staff job descriptions
Correct answer: To enable cross-program data comparison and federal portfolio analysis
Common data elements allow the federal government to compare and aggregate data across multiple grantees to assess the overall impact of a funding initiative.
Question 5: A CGA discovers mid-grant that a key performance target is unlikely to be met. What is the appropriate course of action?
- Adjust the target retroactively in the reporting system
- Notify the program officer promptly and discuss a performance improvement plan (Correct answer)
- Report the target as met to avoid penalties
- Wait until the final report to disclose the shortfall
Correct answer: Notify the program officer promptly and discuss a performance improvement plan
Promptly notifying the program officer and discussing corrective action demonstrates good faith, maintains trust, and allows for collaborative problem-solving.
Question 6: What does the term 'unduplicated count' mean in grant reporting?
- Counting every service interaction, including repeat visits by the same person
- Counting each unique individual served only once regardless of how many times they accessed services (Correct answer)
- Counting only participants who completed all program activities
- Reporting the number of program staff serving participants
Correct answer: Counting each unique individual served only once regardless of how many times they accessed services
An unduplicated count reports each unique individual only once, giving an accurate picture of how many distinct people a program served.
CGA CGA Data Management & Reporting Systems 2
A grant program is collecting participant outcome data using a pre/post survey design.
What is the most important consideration for data validity?