Basic guides

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This page has basic guides, that are plain and clear descriptions of what is evaluation, what is it all about. Must reads for introduction to evaluation for those without technical backgrounds.

First, we present some basic definitions of program evaluation. Second we have links to sites with basic definitions.


Basic definitions of evaluation

"Program evaluation finds out exactly what a program does, to whom, when, and where, and how it does it—and whether these procedures and outcomes are ethical, cost-feasible, comparatively cost-effective, generalizable, and intended"
        Michael Scriven, posted on the email discussion list of the American Evaluation Association, Saturday, January 28, 2012, posted here by permission.



Evaluation offers a way to determine whether an initiative has been worthwhile in terms of delivering what was intended and expected. However, good evaluation can also answer other important questions. This website outlines the important questions.
      International Center for Alcohol Policies  http://www.icap.org/PolicyTools/Toolkits/EvaluationToolkit/2WhatIsEvaluation/tabid/441/Default.aspx  


Program evaluation answers these questions
- Does the program work? And how can it be improved?
- Is the program worthwhile?
- Are there alternatives that would be better?
- Are there unintended consequences?
- Are the program goals appropriate and useful?

        Gene Shackman's Program Evaluation Beginners Guide   http://gsociology.icaap.org/methods/BasicguidesHandouts.html  


Approaching An Evaluation – Ten Issues to Consider. Brad Rose Consulting.   http://bradroseconsulting.com/index.php/approaching-an-evaluation/   A list of ten basic questions that should be considered when doing evaluation. For example
Question 1. Why is the evaluation being conducted?
Question 2. What is the “it” that is being evaluated?
and so on.






Links to resources with basic information


TB Program Evaluation Handbook: Introduction to Program Evaluation   http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/Evaluation/default.htm   pdf handbook. Overview of eval, looks very good. 


Introduction to Program Evaluation  http://www.pitt.edu/~super1/lecture/lec0991/   Brief overview of major concepts. A slideshow. You can download gif's of slides.
There is something strange about this website. If I make it a link, you can't get to it. If you copy and paste, it works.


Introduction to Evaluation   http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/intreval.htm   This page is an introduction to basic ideas, types, questions.  The next page   http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/pecycle.htm   is the planning-evaluation cycle.


Evaluation Manual   http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/improving-prescribing/program-development-eval/evaluation-manual/index.html   overview of most of evaluation.



What Is Program Evaluation   http://gsociology.icaap.org/methods/WhatIsProgramEvaluationPhysiciansForPeace.pdf   basic guide written by Korinne Chiu, PhD, Director, Program Evaluation, Physicians for Peace


What is evaluation, Why evaluate

The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation  
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/resource/the-program-managers-guide-to-evaluation-second-edition   best chapters include Chapter 1: Why evaluate your program?, and Chapter 2: What is program evaluation?


Resource Guide for Evaluation   http://donate.mccormickfoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=642   brief guide, answering basic questions line why evaluation, how to evaluate. Short overview, not detailed. From the McCormick Foundation.


Evaluation: What is it and why do it?   http://meera.snre.umich.edu/evaluation-what-it-and-why-do-it   from My Environmental Education Evaluation Resource Assistant.


Approaching An Evaluation – Ten Issues to Consider    http://bradroseconsulting.com/index.php/approaching-an-evaluation/   Brad Rose Consulting. 10 basic questions to ask before starting an evaluation.
     


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