Evaluation Design
Evaluation design is the structure that allows you to collect and analyze the data needed to answer your evaluation questions. It is important that the evaluation design align with your logic model, goals, research questions, available resources, and (funder) requirements.
Evaluation type, not to be mistaken for the methodology, depends on the evaluation purpose and phase that your project or program is in. After you have defined the type you should use, and depending on what you want to accomplish through the evaluation process, you can decide on the approach and methodology you want to take.
Questions you must consider in the design and approach phase include:
- Are you interested in specific questions that focus on positive topics (emphasis on positive holistic vision)?
- Are you looking at improving your program as it is being implemented or assessing the overall success of the program design itself?
- Are you seeking to include those who have been historically excluded?
- Are you considering the experiences, assumptions, and biases of the evaluator to ensure genuine connection to the cultural context in which the evaluation must take place?
- Will what you learn be used to refine the innovation of your work?
- How many systems are at play within the program being evaluated?
- What type of methodology best suits the design?
Within each of the planning links below, we provide a definitions, how we can help you, and articles and whitepapers that will help you on your journey.