Program Evaluation

Question 1

A type of program evaluation that identifies whether a program is operational as planned, how well it is being managed, and defects or undesirable unintended consequences of the program.

Answer 1

Formative Evaluation

Question 2

A type of program evaluation that defines the problem of concern, describes the actual conditions and how it differs from what is desired, identifies unmet needs, and diagnoses the obstacles that might prevent a program from being effective in meeting them. e.g., Does Mon County need more Rehab Services?

Answer 2

Needs Assessment

Question 3

____ evaluators are program evaluators who work for the agency being evaluated.
Strengths include:
(a) Greater access to program info & personnel. (b) More knowledge about program processes (may affect design or interpretation of findings). (c) More sensitivity to needs of program & realistic obstacles to certain designs.
(d) May be more trusted, so better cooperation and feedback.
(e) May be less costly (still need give release time from other duties).

Weaknesses include:

(a) they may be less objective;
(b) may not have the necessary expertise; &
(c) this role may negatively impact their relationships with co-workers.

Answer 3

Internal Evaluators

Question 4

_____ evaluators may have expertise not found in the agency & may be more objective; but, they may also have incentives to bias evaluation, may be too costly, and may be insensitive to the realities within a program.

Answer 4

External Evaluators

Question 5

A type of program evaluation that examines the degree to which the program has been successful in achieving its objectives at a reasonable cost.

Answer 5

Program Outcomes