CPE Evaluation Methods & Reporting 2

Question 1

A program evaluator wants to understand participants' lived experiences with a job-training program. Which data collection method is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

In-depth phenomenological interviews

Answer

Phenomenological interviews capture subjective lived experiences, making them ideal for understanding participant perspectives in qualitative evaluation.

Question 2

In a utilization-focused evaluation, the primary driver of evaluation design decisions is:

Accepted Answer

Intended use by intended users

Answer

Utilization-focused evaluation, developed by Patton, centers all design decisions on how primary intended users will actually use the findings.

Question 3

Which threat to internal validity occurs when participants in a control group seek out alternative treatments because they know they are not receiving the intervention?

Accepted Answer

Compensatory rivalry

Answer

Compensatory rivalry (the 'John Henry effect') occurs when control group members work harder or seek alternatives because they know they are in the comparison group.

Question 4

A mixed-methods evaluation uses qualitative data to explain unexpected quantitative findings. This integration strategy is called:

Accepted Answer

Explanatory sequential design

Answer

Explanatory sequential design collects quantitative data first, then uses qualitative data to explain or elaborate on the quantitative results.

Question 5

When reporting evaluation findings to a community of color that has historically been exploited by researchers, an evaluator should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Engage community members in reviewing and interpreting the findings

Answer

Culturally responsive evaluation requires community engagement in interpreting findings to ensure accuracy and build trust with historically marginalized groups.

(CPE) Certified Program Evaluator Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Program Evaluator Practice Test

CPE Evaluation Methods & Reporting 2