NCJ Number
171908
Date Published
1996
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This report provides a framework for understanding the basic components of evaluation research and for giving program managers a preliminary sense of what to expect from an evaluation.
Abstract
The discussion notes that an evaluation can address the developmental issues of program start-up, program monitoring and modification, and the culmination of program activities in particular outcomes. It also provides program managers with suggestions when to use evaluation, when not to use it, and ways to modify it to address program needs. Individual sections explain the nature of evaluations; issues involved in conducting an evaluation internally or hiring a consultant; and the types of evaluations, including planning evaluation, process evaluation, evaluability evaluation, outcome evaluation, and efficiency evaluation. Additional sections consider the relationships between programs and theories, the writing of goals and objectives, the limitations of consensus decision-making, and factors to consider before planning an evaluation. Appended discussions of evaluation standards and ethics, the measurement of change, and methods of moving community participants toward agreement and list of 15 references