Needs assessment is an important part of program evaluation. Which statement about this process is TRUE?
A) The client population need not be identified at this stage in the evaluation process.
B) Because program evaluation has an applied focus, theories are not relevant to needs assessment.
C) Policy makers' perceptions that a problem exists might be inaccurate.
D) The goals of an intervention are determined prior to the involvement of the program evaluators.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to recognize that the perceptions of policy makers, or anyone involved in the program, may be biased or inaccurate when identifying the need for a program. Therefore, it is important to gather objective data to determine if the identified problem truly exists and to identify the specific population in need. The other statements are false; identifying the client population is a critical component of needs assessment, theories inform program design and evaluation, and the goals of the intervention should be developed through collaboration between the program staff and the program evaluators.

Needs Assessment Is an Important Part of Program Evaluation