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Is This a Good Quality Outcome Evaluation Report?: A Guide for Practitioners

NCJ Number
237309
Author(s)
Mary Poulin; Stan Orchowsky; Jason Trask
Date Published
November 2011
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This guide was produced by the Justice Research and Statistics Association and the Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide practitioners with a sound basis for distinguishing the difference between good and poor quality evaluation reports.
Abstract
Evaluation is a systematic and objective research method used by analysts to determine the success or impact, both positive and negative, of a particular policy or program. Evaluations are generally divided into two categories: process evaluations that focus on the implementation of the program or project, and outcome evaluations that focus on the effectiveness of the program or project. This guide, intended for use by practitioners conducting outcome evaluation research, provides these practitioners with a solid basis for determining the difference between good and poor quality evaluation reports. The guide, developed by the Justice Research and Statistics Association and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, explains the key evaluation terms and designs used in outcome evaluation research, and presents a process for use identifying a well written evaluation report. Two key issues that affect the quality of evaluation reports are discussed in this guide. The first issue, the role of the evaluation design, asks the basic question of whether the program/policy had the intended effect. The second key issue, how well the evaluation is carried out, discusses the various factors of the design that impact the success of the research. Additional resources covering research design are presented. Figures and exhibits