The IDM manual: a guide to the IDM (Interactive Domain Model) Best Practices Approach to Better Health. Research and evaluation. 3rd ed.

The practice domain is the application of our vision and analysis of the environment; it is also a reflection of our underpinnings. Research including evaluation is one of the sub-domains of the practice domain. The degree of consistency of our research and evaluation processes and activities with our health promotion or public health underpinnings and understanding of the environment helps determine what kind of impact we have in our chosen health promotion or public health areas. Carrying out ongoing research and evaluation increases the effectiveness of our responses to our health-related issues and to our organizational issues by allowing us to (a) reflect on the work we have been doing and (b) try out new ways of doing things to see if they might work better. Research and evaluation involves the identification of: issues of concern (i.e. research and evaluation questions) measurable or observable objectives and indicators data sources and methods for obtaining data. It also involves collecting and analyzing data summarizing or synthesizing results making recommendations and disseminating and applying findings. (excerpt)