Program Development & Evaluation Flashcards

When scaling a successful pilot program to new sites, which factor is MOST critical to assess first?

Answer: Fidelity to the core program model versus adaptation needs at new sites

Scaling requires determining which program elements are core (must be replicated with fidelity) and which can be adapted to local context without undermining effectiveness.

A nonprofit's board wants evidence that its flagship program represents a good use of donor funds. Which evaluation metric would most directly answer this concern?

Answer: Cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per successful outcome)

Cost-effectiveness analysis directly addresses resource stewardship by showing how much it costs to achieve each measurable outcome, informing donor confidence.

Which of the following is an example of an 'input' in a nonprofit program logic model?

Answer: Grant funding, volunteer time, and staff expertise

Inputs are the resources invested in a program — including money, staff, volunteers, facilities, and partnerships — before activities begin.

A nonprofit evaluates its mentoring program and finds that outcomes differ significantly by participant age group. This finding is an example of:

Answer: Subgroup analysis revealing differential program effectiveness

Subgroup analysis examines whether a program works differently for different segments of participants, providing actionable insight for program tailoring.

What is the most significant risk of relying solely on participant satisfaction surveys to evaluate program quality?

Answer: Satisfaction does not reliably predict whether participants achieved meaningful outcomes

High satisfaction rates reflect participants' subjective experience but do not confirm whether they actually changed in knowledge, behavior, or condition as a result of the program.

Which principle guides the ethical use of evaluation data in nonprofit program management?

Answer: Data should be used to improve programs and inform stakeholders transparently, even when findings are critical

Ethical evaluation practice requires transparent use of findings — including negative results — to support organizational learning and honest accountability to stakeholders.

A program that has been running for five years seeks to demonstrate sustained impact over time. Which evaluation design is most appropriate?

Answer: Longitudinal follow-up study tracking participants over multiple years

Longitudinal studies track the same participants over time, allowing evaluators to assess whether program gains are maintained, diminished, or strengthened after program exit.