Evaluation as a research design PowerPoint

Summary

This presentation differentiates research and evaluation, highlighting their distinct goals and methodologies. Research seeks to prove theories and generalize findings to a broader population, often guided by theoretical frameworks and requiring peer review. In contrast, evaluation focuses on improving specific programs, guided by stakeholder needs, and does not always rely on theory. While research is generalizable and replicable, evaluation is context-specific, aiming for actionable insights to enhance program effectiveness. The major takeaway is that research aims to prove, while evaluation aims to improve, with stakeholder needs being central to the evaluation process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Evaluation and research share similarities, such as originating from a question or problem, following a clear plan, and attempting to describe and understand relationships.
• 😀 The main difference between evaluation and research is that research aims to prove something, while evaluation aims to improve something.
• 😀 Research is typically generalized to a broader population, while evaluation is more specific, often applying only to the program participants being evaluated.
• 😀 Research is designed to be replicable and reproducible, so the process is recorded to ensure its findings are not accidental.
• 😀 Evaluations are not always generalizable to larger populations and may only be relevant to specific groups or contexts.
• 😀 Research undergoes peer review for critique, which helps ensure quality and accuracy, while evaluation may not follow the same level of formal review.
• 😀 Research is often guided by theory, whereas evaluation is more often guided by the needs of stakeholders, such as those initiating the evaluation.
• 😀 Evaluation is driven by stakeholders' interests and needs, making it more practical and context-specific than research.
• 😀 Research can include acceptance of critical assumptions, such as statistical or theoretical assumptions that are already established in the field.
• 😀 The key focus of evaluation is on making improvements to a program or process, not just understanding or describing an issue.
• 😀 It's crucial for students to understand that research sets out to prove, while evaluation sets out to improve—this is the most important distinction.

Q & A

What is the main difference between research and evaluation?

The major difference is that research sets out to prove, while evaluation sets out to improve. Research aims to understand or describe an issue, whereas evaluation focuses on making improvements to a program or process.

How are research and evaluation similar in terms of their origins?

Both research and evaluation originate from a question or problem, require clear articulation of goals, follow a specific plan of procedure, attempt to describe and understand relationships, trace causal sequences, and make recommendations for action.

Why is generalization to a population important in research?

Generalization in research is crucial because it allows findings to be applied to a broader population. This is why the process must be documented carefully to ensure replication and avoid the risk of chance findings.

Can the results of an evaluation be generalized to a larger population?

Not necessarily. Evaluations are more specific and often can only be generalized to the program participants being evaluated, rather than to a larger population.

How is research reviewed and critiqued?

Research is typically disclosed for critique through peer review. Researchers submit their work to panels of experts, who assess its quality and determine whether it should be published.

Does evaluation always require a theory?

No, evaluation does not always require a guiding theory. While some evaluations may use a theory, it is not a necessary component. In contrast, research is often guided by a specific theory.

What guides the process of evaluation?

The evaluation process is guided by the needs of stakeholders. These stakeholders are individuals or groups with a vested interest in the evaluation and its outcomes.

What are stakeholders' roles in evaluation?

Stakeholders initiate the need for evaluation. They have an investment in the outcomes and their needs shape the direction of the evaluation, making it more tailored to specific goals.

What is meant by 'critical assumptions' in research?

In research, critical assumptions are accepted things that other researchers have already proven, or statistical assumptions that are generally accepted as valid. This framework helps ensure consistency and reliability in research findings.

Why is it important to understand that research sets out to prove and evaluation sets out to improve?

Understanding this distinction is key because it highlights the different goals and purposes of the two processes. Research is aimed at discovering truth or understanding a phenomenon, while evaluation focuses on using findings to make improvements in a program or process.