Kumar-2011-Research-Methodology_-A-Step-by-Step-Guide-for-Beginners

Chapter 18: Research Methodology and Practice Evaluation 325
Evaluation
research is a
Process
of reviewing
An intervention
or programme
in order to
Make informed
decisions
that is: for about
– Thorough
– Reliable
– Valid
– Systematic
– Efficiency
– Effectiveness
– Appropriateness
– Selecting between
different interventions or
programmes
– Incorporating changes,
and fine-tuning for
greater effectiveness and
efficiency
– Terminating the
programme or intervention
for better use of
resources
Figure 18.1 The concept of evaluation
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.
Why evaluation?
Suppose you are working in a human service agency. At some point in the course of your
work, questions may come to your mind about the appropriateness of your service, its effectiveness,
why some people like or benefit from it and others do not, how it can be improved,
what sort of workload a service provider can carry and what the cost of delivering the service
is. Consumers and administrators of your service may ask you similar questions. You can
obtain answers to these questions in a number of ways, ranging from gathering anecdotal
evidence to undertaking a systematic study, adhering to the principles of scientific enquiry.