CPE Program Planning & Design 3

Question 1

A program is designed with a 'dose-response' assumption. Which planning element most directly tests this assumption?

Accepted Answer

Tracking participant attendance and linking it to outcome levels

Answer

Dose-response is tested by correlating amount of exposure (attendance/sessions completed) with magnitude of outcome change across participants.

Question 2

In program design, 'theory of change' differs from a 'logic model' primarily because theory of change:

Accepted Answer

Explains the causal mechanisms and assumptions underlying program pathways

Answer

A theory of change articulates the 'why'—the causal assumptions and mechanisms—while a logic model is a visual summary of the 'what' (inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes).

Question 3

A county health department plans a diabetes prevention program and wants to ensure sustainability beyond grant funding. Which planning strategy best addresses this?

Accepted Answer

Embedding program components into existing clinic workflows from the outset

Answer

Integrating program elements into routine clinical operations from day one builds institutional ownership and reduces dependence on external funding.

Question 4

Which type of evaluation design is most appropriate when random assignment is not feasible and the program has already launched?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental design with a matched comparison group

Answer

A quasi-experimental design using a matched comparison group provides stronger causal inference than a single-group design when random assignment is impossible.

Question 5

Program planners use 'backward mapping' primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Start with desired outcomes and work backward to identify required activities and inputs

Answer

Backward mapping begins with the end goal and traces backward through outcomes, activities, and inputs to ensure alignment between resources and intended impact.

(CPE) Certified Program Evaluator Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Program Evaluator Practice Test

CPE Program Planning & Design 3