Purpose of Evaluation Research

The process of gathering and analyzing information to provide feedback and improve effectiveness is also known as evaluation research. An organization can help establish a program’s success or progress by periodically assessing its effectiveness and impact. From strengthening collaboration to solving problems and making decisions, there are numerous reasons for conducting evaluation research.

When it comes to the importance of evaluation, businessman and philanthropist Quint Studer, says, “It gives our hardwiring principles teeth and drives the organization toward results that last.” To understand the type of assessment that needs to be conducted and the right time to do it, you’ll first need to define the terms of your evaluation correctly. To do this, you’ll need to ask the right questions. Determining the reason for evaluation will help you save on costs and time.

Generally, there are three main approaches to this process: the adequacy assessment, plausibility assessment and probability evaluations. The probability of adequacy is about determining whether or not the goals of the program are met, and plausibility and probability evaluations take into account control groups and external factors such as additional resources for funding or research purposes.

By identifying whether or not a program is making progress, your company can learn how to improve it and get closer to achieving its goals. The information you collect during and after the process can help you gain a better understanding of your target audience’s needs and increase the program’s productivity and effectiveness. The useful insight that you receive from conducting evaluation research provides your company with a solid base for future strategic planning and successful goal setting. It also allows you to make constructive changes that will ultimately benefit the entire organization, or even cancel the program altogether.

Performance evaluation can help employers and employees assess the level of progress throughout a specified period. Usually, performance evaluations take place on an annual basis and represent a decision-making factor in employee compensation, promotions or terminations. A professional employer will have to keep track of the employee's performance throughout the year and be able to provide specific examples of past accomplishments or missed deadlines. It's beneficial for the employer to develop metrics that will help establish the employee’s performance, such as customer ratings or sales revenues. Not only will it help the employer, but it will also motivate the employee.