What is evaluation?

If you go through the literature on evaluation research, you will come across many differ­ent definitions. Below are some definitions that have been selected to highlight the various dimensions of evaluation. According to Rossi, Freeman and Lipsey (1999: 4): ‘Program evalu­ation is the use of social research procedures to systematically investigate the effectiveness of social interventions programs’

As quoted by Stufflebeam and Shinkfield (1985: 3), the definition of the Joint Committee on Standards for Education Evaluation is: ‘Evaluation is the systematic assessment of the worth and merit of some objects’

According to Alkin and Solomon (1983: 14):

Evaluation is a process of ascertaining the decision areas of concern, selecting appropri­ate information, and collecting and analysing information in order to report summary data useful to decision makers in selecting among alternatives.

According to Rutman (1980: 17), ‘Program evaluation refers to the use of research methods to measure the effectiveness of operative programs’ In another book, edited by Rutman (1977: 16), he also uses the following definition:

Evaluation research is, first and foremost, a process of applying scientific procedures to accumulate reliable and valid evidence in the manner and the extent to which specific activities produce particular effects or outcomes.

If you critically examine these definitions, you will notice that in the evaluation process (as in research methodology) there are certain properties such as validity, reliability and thoroughness.

And both processes are designed to collect and analyse information in order to answer research questions. In evaluation research, research questions mainly revolve around various aspects of an intervention, programme or practice, whereas in general research they may relate to any aspect or issue of concern or significance. Evaluation research, therefore, is primarily concerned with a critical examination of such aspects as the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of an intervention. Issues relating to efficiency and effectiveness in relation to the costs and benefits of an intervention are also an integral part of evaluation studies. See Figure 18.1.

Source: Kumar Ranjit (2012), Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners, SAGE Publications Ltd; Third edition.