CNE Program Development & Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nonprofit's program evaluation reveals strong outputs (services delivered) but weak outcomes (client change). What is the most likely gap?
- Insufficient marketing of the program
- A flawed theory of change linking activities to outcomes (Correct answer)
- Inadequate data collection infrastructure
- Too many program staff members
Correct answer: A flawed theory of change linking activities to outcomes
When activities produce outputs but not outcomes, the program's underlying theory of change — its assumptions about how activities cause change — is likely flawed.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a formative evaluation?
- To judge whether a completed program should be continued
- To provide ongoing feedback that improves a program while it is still running (Correct answer)
- To calculate the return on investment after program completion
- To compare two programs for funding allocation decisions
Correct answer: To provide ongoing feedback that improves a program while it is still running
Formative evaluation is conducted during program implementation to identify improvements and strengthen the program in real time.
Question 3: Which scenario best illustrates the concept of 'mission creep' in program development?
- A literacy program adds evening classes to serve working adults
- A food bank begins offering job training, housing assistance, and tax preparation without strategic planning (Correct answer)
- A youth program expands to a second neighborhood with board approval
- A health clinic adds a telehealth option for existing clients
Correct answer: A food bank begins offering job training, housing assistance, and tax preparation without strategic planning
Mission creep occurs when an organization expands its scope beyond its core purpose without intentional strategy, often diluting program quality and straining resources.
Question 4: An indicator that measures the number of workshops delivered is classified as which type of measure?
- Input measure
- Output measure (Correct answer)
- Outcome measure
- Impact measure
Correct answer: Output measure
Outputs are the direct products of program activities — such as workshops delivered, meals served, or clients seen — rather than changes in participants.
Question 5: A nonprofit is piloting a new afterschool program before full-scale launch. Which evaluation approach is most appropriate at this stage?
- Summative evaluation to determine overall effectiveness
- Impact evaluation using a randomized control trial
- Developmental evaluation to support adaptive design (Correct answer)
- Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing it to alternatives
Correct answer: Developmental evaluation to support adaptive design
Developmental evaluation is designed for programs in early stages, supporting learning and adaptation rather than rendering a verdict on effectiveness.
Question 6: What does 'attribution' mean in the context of program evaluation?
- Giving credit to funders who supported the program
- Determining the degree to which a program caused the observed outcomes (Correct answer)
- Listing the sources cited in an evaluation report
- Assigning staff members to evaluation tasks
Correct answer: Determining the degree to which a program caused the observed outcomes
Attribution is the challenge of establishing that observed changes in participants were caused by the program rather than other factors.
Question 7: Which of the following best represents a SMART program objective?
- Improve community health outcomes for residents
- Help more people access mental health services
- By December 31, increase the number of uninsured adults screened for diabetes by 25% compared to last year (Correct answer)
- Expand program reach to underserved populations
Correct answer: By December 31, increase the number of uninsured adults screened for diabetes by 25% compared to last year
SMART objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — the third option meets all five criteria.
CNE Program Development & Evaluation 3
A nonprofit's program evaluation reveals strong outputs (services delivered) but weak outcomes (client change).
What is the most likely gap?