Managing Pitfalls during Evaluation Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is Michael Scriven’s definition of evaluation?
Systematic investigation of the merit, worth, or significance of an ‘object’.
This definition highlights the objective nature of evaluation as it assesses the value of various entities.
How does Carol Weiss define evaluation?
Systematic assessment of the operation and/or outcomes of a program or policy against explicit or implicit standards for improvement.
This definition emphasizes the assessment aspect and the comparison against standards.
What does an unknown source define evaluation as?
Systematic way to determine the ‘value’ of a program or activity.
This definition underscores the focus on value assessment.
What is the main difference between surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation?
Surveillance tracks disease or risk behaviors, monitoring tracks changes in program outcomes over time, and evaluation seeks to understand why changes occur.
This distinction helps clarify the unique roles of each process in public health and program assessment.
When should evaluation be conducted for a new program?
During the planning phase.
This timing helps ensure that the evaluation framework is integrated from the start.
What are the evaluation timing stages for a developing program?
Ongoing assessment.
Continuous evaluation aids in adapting and improving the program as it evolves.
What is the evaluation timing for a stable, mature program?
Regular evaluation.
Regular evaluations help maintain program effectiveness and relevance.
What should be done after a program has ended?
Post-completion assessment.
This evaluation helps understand the overall impact and lessons learned.
List three reasons for evaluating interventions.
- Gain insight into program operations
- Improve practices for enhanced success
- Assess effects and community benefits
These reasons highlight the multifaceted benefits of conducting evaluations.
What are key considerations for planning an evaluation?
- Nature of the intervention
- Size and scope of the evaluation
- Clarity of the intervention’s purpose
- Purpose of the evaluation
- Scope of effects
- User perspectives
- Audience for evaluation information
- Types of information needed
- Sources for information collection
- Methods for information collection
- Timeline for information collection
- Available resources for data collection
These considerations ensure a comprehensive and effective evaluation process.
What is one key question to consider when evaluating?
What is the purpose of this evaluation?
Understanding the purpose guides the evaluation’s design and focus.
What are the four standards of evaluation?
- Utility: Information needs of intended users
- Feasibility: Realistic evaluation activities given resources
- Propriety: Ethical conduct of evaluation
- Accuracy: Valid and reliable findings
These standards help maintain quality and integrity in the evaluation process.
What is the first phase in an evaluation?
Initiation: Recognizing the need for evaluation.
This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire evaluation process.
What occurs during the data analysis and reporting phase?
Analyzing data against criteria.
This phase is essential for deriving meaningful insights from the collected data.
What is a common pitfall during evaluation?
Poor planning.
Effective planning is critical to avoid many evaluation pitfalls.
Name one type of pitfall in evaluation.
Conceptual: Issues with understanding the evaluation framework.
Conceptual pitfalls can lead to misinterpretation and ineffective evaluations.
True or False: Methodological pitfalls refer to ethical concerns regarding the rights and welfare of participants.
False.
Methodological pitfalls are related to flaws in evaluation design and execution, while ethical pitfalls concern participant rights.
What is the purpose of evaluating findings and options in the evaluation process?
Judging Value and Deciding Action.
This step is crucial for determining the next steps based on evaluation outcomes.
