8/16/2019 Method Notes

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Formative evaluation uses evaluation methods to improve the way a program is

delivered. At the other end of this continuum is summative evaluation, which

measures program outcomes and impacts during ongoing operations or after

program completion.

 The most common qualitative data collection methods are interviews other than

highly structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Open -ended responses to survey questions can provide qualitative data as well. The most

common sources of quantitative data are administrative records and structured

surveys conducted via Internet and mail. i!ed - method approaches in evaluation

are very common, and that means that both quantitative and qualitative data are

used, and quantitative and qualitative data collection methods are used in

combination.

"hen ma#ing causal inferences, evaluators must measure several elements$

•  The timing of the outcomes, to ensure that observed outcomes occurred after

the program was implemented

•  The e!tent to which the changes in outcomes occurred after the program was

implemented

•  The presence of confounding factors$ that is, factors that could also have

a%ected desired outcomes

It can be very di& cult to draw causal inferences. It may be desirable to use terms

such as plausible attribution when drawing conclusions about the e%ects of

programs on intended behaviors.