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Basics of Evaluation
What is Program Evaluation
Program evaluation is a systematic way of collecting, analyzing, and using data to assess the value and impact of programs, policies, and practices and to contribute to continuous program improvement.
It provides an in-depth look into…
How you carried out your plan
Whether you achieved the intended results
How well you carried out your plan
What differences occurred in intended outcomes among your audiences
Program evaluation helps you explain why and how the programs, policies, and practices you are implementing contribute to changes in outcomes within a specific context.
While people typically think of evaluation in connection to programs, you also can evaluate capacity-building efforts, community mobilization efforts, communication campaigns, system initiatives, etc.
We will use “program” throughout to refer to any set of related activities or public health action undertaken to achieve an intended outcome.
Differences between Research and Evaluation
Both research and program evaluation use systematic methods to collect and examine information and data.
However, while the methods and analyses may be similar, there are often distinct purposes and goals. When using programs that have already been tested or have some evidence, program evaluation helps us understand how these programs work in different contexts.
“Research seeks to prove; evaluation seeks to improve…”
— Michael Quinn Patton
Research
Purpose
- Test a theory or model by controlling contextual factors and attributing observed changes in intended outcomes to a particular set of activities
Goal
- Produce generalizable knowledge
Evaluation
Purpose
- Understand whether a program may or may not be working for whom and why
- Understand how a program contributes to observed changes in intended outcomes
Goal
- Improve programs to optimize public health impact
For more information about different evaluation designs, see information about Step 3.
Why Evaluate?
It is important to evaluate your efforts as a whole, as well as
track individual programs, policies, and practices.
Evaluation is important for many reasons:
Demonstrates the contribution and impact of your efforts
Improves your overall prevention strategy
Identifies adjustments that should be made during implementation
Maintains accountability to stakeholders
Makes the case for funding