Program Implementation and Evaluation Flashcards

Which research design best establishes a causal relationship between a program and its outcomes?

Answer: Randomized controlled trial (experimental design)

Randomized controlled trials randomly assign participants to program and control groups, allowing causal attribution of outcomes to the program rather than other factors.

What is the purpose of a needs assessment before program development?

Answer: To identify gaps between current services and community needs and desires

A needs assessment systematically gathers data about community needs, preferences, and gaps in current services to guide program development decisions.

Which term describes unintended consequences of a program that were not part of the original goals?

Answer: Side effects or unintended outcomes

Unintended outcomes (side effects) are program impacts—positive or negative—that were not part of the original program goals but result from implementation.

What does "validity" refer to in evaluation research?

Answer: Whether a measure actually measures what it is intended to measure

Validity refers to how well a measurement instrument actually measures the construct it is supposed to measure.

Which stakeholder group should be involved in developing program evaluation criteria?

Answer: All key stakeholders including participants, funders, and community members

Participatory evaluation involves all key stakeholders in determining what matters most to measure, increasing relevance, credibility, and use of evaluation findings.

What is the main purpose of a cost-effectiveness analysis in recreation programming?

Answer: To compare the outcomes achieved per dollar spent across program alternatives

Cost-effectiveness analysis compares the outcomes produced by different program options per unit cost, helping decision-makers choose the most efficient approach.