Social Program Evaluation: Criteria and Methods
Definition of Two Main Parts
Two main parts are worth highlighting. On the one hand, an assessment is not an investigation; the big difference is the value judgments involved in any evaluation. On the other hand, the assessment is restricted to the results. The set of variables that can impact program outcomes are so diverse that they make assessment a complex evaluation.
The activity is a process that requires efficiency, skills, and negotiation abilities. Also, the results can influence many people. We cannot have the slightest doubt about the results; we must employ the necessary checks to ensure they reflect reality.
Study and Analysis of Evaluation Definitions
All evaluations emphasize any of the following:
- Establish a value judgment: It implies not only collecting and interpreting information but also making judgments about the value of objectives.
- Systematization: Refers to the precision with which information is gathered, based on a rigorous descriptive process.
- Integrated into the program.
- A systematic reflection.
- Facilitates better, permanent programs.
- It helps practitioners understand reality and facilitates awareness.
- It is a systematic process.
Those marked with bold are the most important aspects. All definitions of assessment depend on the importance that the author gives to the following parameters:
- Internal vs. External Evaluation
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative Evaluation
- Additive vs. Formative Evaluation
The wisest approach for social programs is internal assessment, formative, and complementarity of the qualitative and quantitative.
Criteria to Guide Qualitative Evaluation
Gender
The merit or demerit judgment should not be of the evaluator, but of those involved. An assessment questions the meaning and value of the realities under evaluation to guide the collection of evidence, information, and viewpoints. The reason for choosing a shared view is that correct assessment is not possessed by privileged groups or individuals.
Ubiquity
Everything has to be analyzed. Sometimes, natural complexities tend to be simplified, with the justification that relaxing is easier to draw conclusions and make judgments. Sensitive procedures are recommended to capture aspirations, values, understandings, and interests. Ambiguity is not incompatible with rigor but with oversimplification.
Diversity
The assessor must achieve an explanatory consensus, i.e., consider the variety of explanations and demonstrate how and why they occur. You must ensure open and frank discussion while respecting individuals’ right to privacy.
Utility
The evaluation should provide necessary assistance; you should use the contents of the reports as a reference point for discussion. The publicity of reports is required by law; society, in general, needs to know the value of interventions and may contribute to knowledge. Because of this, the report should use language understandable by any citizen.
Redundancy
Repeatedly dropping down in the meeting to know and decipher clues from reality, continuity must be initiated on ongoing assessments of social interventions. The difficult balance between the right to privacy and the need for knowledge and social responsibility of those involved in the studied reality must be maintained as far as possible. The assessment must account for public action to find ways to increase information to the outside, but given that internal criticism is more important.
Generalization
The evaluator and the client should seek to generalize the results.
Approaches to Guide Quantitative Evaluation
Meet the needs and perspectives of all involved. The evaluation will be useful; it is specified that it is aimed at individuals and groups related to the task of making what is being assessed and informing them of strengths, weaknesses, and solutions for improvement. To achieve this purpose:
- It is necessary to describe the groups affected if their needs can be met.
- You must look after the needs of those responsible and the whole program, claiming to have more funding opportunities.