What is demographic data and why is it important?
As a land-grant institution, Ohio State University Extension has the responsibility of ensuring that our programming reaches all audiences. Ideally, our educational reach would realize parity, meaning the audiences represented in our educational programs would be relatively equal to the demographics represented in our communities.
How to Collect Demographic Data
There are a variety of ways we can collect demographic data. In face-to-face programs, collect demographic data upon participant registration or be prepared to hand out a demographic data collection form during your event. In online programming or other methods of digital engagement (like an e-newsletter), collect demographic data by incorporting appropriate questions into your registration or subscription materials.
It is never okay to assume the demographic information (i.e., race, ethnicity, and sex) of program participants. While it's important to make every reasonable effort to collect this data, if you cannot collect this information from program participants, then it's okay to put "unspecified" in your reporting systems.
To download a printable copy of a demographic data collection tool, visit go.osu.edu/DemographicDataForm PLEASE NOTE: You must DOWNLOAD this form and then open it in Adobe Acrobat/Reader. IGNORE the "please wait" message you will see when you click on the link, click on the "Download" button. Open Adobe Acrobat, navigate to your "downloads" folder (or wherever you saved the file) and then open the PDF. Also note that your machine's settings may be configured to automatically open the PDF in your internet browser. If this is occurring, close the internet window that appears, manually open Adobe Reader/Acrobat from your list of programs, then open the file from its downloaded location.
Visit our assessment page for more resources on understanding community demographics.