Evaluation Research

Evaluation is an instrument to generate data empirically for a distinctive purpose; the data is rated and used as the basis for further decisions. Therefore, a set of research methods is utilized. The concordant general goal of evaluation is to provide “useful feedback” on programs and policies to different audiences based on the systematic acquisition and assessment of information to reduce uncertainty and to inform and influence decision‐making and policy formulation. Four fundamental purposes can be stated: advocacy, accountability, analysis, and allocation. In addition, there are two main types of evaluation: formative and summative. The acquisition of data needed for an evaluation should be done using a variety of methods, either quantitative or qualitative.