Program evaluation gets confused with basic research when evaluators
A) focus on the needs of the program sponsor.
B) become advocates for the program participants.
C) ignore practical issues in order to examine theoretical questions.
D) use variables suggested by the staff of service programs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Program evaluation should focus on practical issues and measure the effectiveness of programs in achieving their stated objectives. Basic research, on the other hand, is more theoretical in nature and seeks to generate new knowledge. If evaluators ignore practical issues in order to examine theoretical questions, they may be getting confused with basic research. Focusing on the needs of the program sponsor (A) or becoming advocates for the program participants (B) are not necessarily signs of confusion with basic research. Using variables suggested by program staff (D) is a common practice in program evaluation and does not indicate confusion with basic research.

Program Evaluation Gets Confused with Basic Research When Evaluators