Evaluation Research Flashcards
Program Evaluation
“ Is the use of social research procedures to systematically investigate the effectiveness of programs” (Rossi, Freeman, Lipsay , 1993)
Program Evaulation
Systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics, and results of programs to:
(1) to make judgments about the program,
(2) improve or further develop program effectiveness,
(3) inform decisions, and/or
(4) increase understanding. (Michael Quinn Patton, 2008)
Types of Evaluation - Formative Evaluation
Formative evaluation, which evaluates the program planning to improve performance during the implementation phase (also referred to as a mid-term evaluation)
Types of Evaluation – Outcome Evaluation
Outcome evaluation, which measures the results of the program to assess how it has achieved outcomes. An outcome evaluation asks, “did we do what we set out to do”?
Types of Evaluation – Summative Evaluation
Summative evaluation, which evaluates the effectiveness of the program impacts. This goes beyond the outcome evaluation to conceptualize whether the outcomes really made a difference.
Types of Evaluation – Meta-Evaluation
Meta-evaluation, which evaluates an evaluation or commutes the finding from several evaluations (i.e., what did these evaluations find over a 10 year period?)
Types of Program Evaluation - Formative
- is a method for judging the worth of a program while the program activities are in progress
- focuses on program improvement. It is conducted early during the program to provide information whether any changes should be made in program implementation
- Can look to the process
Types of Program Evaluation – Outcome, Summative, Impact Evaluation
- Is the program/service meeting the stated outcome
- focuses on program products, results or impact. It is conducted to provide evidence about the worth or merit of a program. Summative evaluation typically is conducted later in the program
