EDUC302: Opportunities and Risks in Adolescence

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to program evaluation, research methodologies, and theories of change as discussed in the lecture.

Program Evaluation

The use of social research methods to systematically investigate the effectiveness of social intervention programs.

Formative Evaluation

Intended to help in the development of the program. Shows whether the proposed program elements are likely to be needed, understood, and accepted by the population you want to reach. The extent to which an evaluation is possible, based on the goals and objectives.

aka Evaluability assessment, Needs assessment

Process evaluation

How well the program is working. The extent to which the program is being implemented as designed. Whether the program is accessible an acceptable to its target population.

aka Program monitoring

Summative (outcome) Evaluation

Assesses the effects and effectiveness of a program of achieving specific results in a targeted population

Impact Evaluation

Assesses the degree to which the program meets its ultimate goal.

Theory of Change (ToC)

An explanation of how a program’s activities should lead to change, incorporating a theoretical rationale explaining the cause and effect, taking into consideration the wider context, characteristics of the population, and potential moderators.

Outcome Classification Framework

A system distinguishing between different levels of outcomes, from immediate deliverables to broader community changes. Part of Outcome Evaluations

Evaluation Criteria

Standards or measures used to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a program.

Moderators

Factors that may influence who benefits most and least from a program.

Logic Model

A descriptive tool that provides a logical sequence showing what the intervention’s intended outcomes are after the activities are provided (if we provide X, the result will be Y)

Economic Evaluation

Analysis comparing what resources are being used in a program and their costs (direct and indirect) compared to outcomes.

aka Cost analysis, Cost-benefit analysis

Outcome evaluation

The degree to which the program is having an effect on the target population’s behaviours.

aka Objectives-based evaluation

Outcome classification framework: Level 1

Programme deliverables (e.g., program manual, # of programs completed, # of facilitators trained, etc.)

Outcome classification framework: Level 2

Targets or short-term outcomes that represent relatively immediate results from the program activities for participants

Outcome classification framework: Level 3

Short- to medium-term changes for participants and/or their communities based on the ongoing effects of level 2 outcomes.

Outcome classification framework: Level 4

Wider and long-term community-based changes from the ongoing effects of level 2 and level 3 changes growing throughout a population.