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Program Evaluation Theory and Practice: Second Edition

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Comprehensive Guide to Evaluation Principles, Methods, and Techniques

Program evaluation is a systematic and objective process for assessing the impact of a program. It can be used to determine whether a program is achieving its goals, and to identify areas for improvement. Program evaluation theory and practice is a growing field, and there is a wealth of information available on the topic.

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice, Second Edition: A Comprehensive Guide

by Donna M. Mertens

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8102 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	620 pages

This article provides a comprehensive overview of program evaluation theory and practice. It covers the following topics:

What is program evaluation?
Why is program evaluation important?
Principles of program evaluation
Methods of program evaluation
Techniques of program evaluation
Case studies in program evaluation

What is Program Evaluation?

Program evaluation is often used to assess the following:

Effectiveness: Is the program achieving its intended outcomes?
Efficiency: Is the program being implemented in a cost-effective manner?
Impact: What is the overall impact of the program on the community or population it serves?

Why is Program Evaluation Important?

Program evaluation is important for a number of reasons. First, it can help to ensure that programs are achieving their intended outcomes. Second, it can help to identify areas for improvement. Third, it can provide evidence to support funding decisions. Fourth, it can help to build public trust in programs.

Principles of Program Evaluation

There are a number of principles that guide program evaluation. These principles include:

Objectivity: Program evaluations should be conducted in an objective and unbiased manner.
Transparency: The methods and results of program evaluations should be transparent and publicly available.
Relevance: Program evaluations should be relevant to the needs of the program and its stakeholders.
Utility: Program evaluations should be useful for decision-making and program improvement.

Methods of Program Evaluation

There are a number of different methods that can be used to evaluate programs. These methods include:

Experimental designs: Experimental designs are the most rigorous type of evaluation method. They involve randomly assigning participants to either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group receives the program intervention, while the control group does not.
Quasi-experimental designs: Quasi-experimental designs are less rigorous than experimental designs, but they can be used when it is not possible to randomly assign participants to a treatment group or a control group. Quasi-experimental designs use statistical methods to adjust for differences between the treatment group and the control group.
Non-experimental designs: Non-experimental designs are the least rigorous type of evaluation method. They do not involve randomly assigning participants to a treatment group or a control group. Non-experimental designs rely on data from surveys, interviews, and observations.

Techniques of Program Evaluation

There are a number of different techniques that can be used to collect data for program evaluations. These techniques include:

Surveys: Surveys are a common method for collecting data from a large number of people. Surveys can be administered online, by mail, or in person.
Interviews: Interviews are a good way to collect in-depth data from a small number of people. Interviews can be conducted in person, by phone, or online.
Observations: Observations are a good way to collect data on behavior. Observations can be conducted in person or by video.
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Program Evaluation Theory and Practice, Second Edition: A Comprehensive Guide

by Donna M. Mertens

4.4 out of 5