CPS Planning & Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A prevention coalition wants to measure changes in community norms about underage drinking. Which data collection method is MOST appropriate?
- Reviewing hospital admissions data
- Conducting a community survey (Correct answer)
- Analyzing arrest records for minors
- Reviewing sales data from local retailers
Correct answer: Conducting a community survey
Community surveys are the most direct method for measuring perceptions and norms about substance use within a population.
Question 2: In program planning, 'cultural competence' requires a CPS to:
- Deliver programs only in English to ensure standardization
- Adapt program content and delivery to align with the cultural values of the target population (Correct answer)
- Avoid discussing cultural differences to prevent stereotyping
- Select programs exclusively developed by members of the target culture
Correct answer: Adapt program content and delivery to align with the cultural values of the target population
Cultural competence means adapting programs to respect and reflect the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of the community being served.
Question 3: Which type of evaluation examines whether a prevention program is appropriate and feasible for a specific community before full implementation?
- Summative evaluation
- Outcome evaluation
- Formative evaluation (Correct answer)
- Impact evaluation
Correct answer: Formative evaluation
Formative evaluation is conducted before or during program development to refine content, assess feasibility, and ensure cultural relevance.
Question 4: A SPF step called 'Implement' requires prevention specialists to focus on:
- Selecting evidence-based interventions from registries
- Delivering programs with fidelity while building local capacity (Correct answer)
- Collecting baseline data from the target population
- Evaluating program outcomes and reporting to funders
Correct answer: Delivering programs with fidelity while building local capacity
The 'Implement' step focuses on delivering selected programs and strategies with fidelity while engaging community resources and partnerships.
Question 5: A CPS identifies that teen marijuana use in their county is 20% above the state average. This finding is best described as:
- A program output
- A community risk indicator requiring targeted intervention (Correct answer)
- A protective factor needing reinforcement
- A program process measure
Correct answer: A community risk indicator requiring targeted intervention
Elevated substance use rates compared to state benchmarks indicate elevated risk in the community and signal a need for targeted prevention effort.
Question 6: Which statistical concept is MOST important when interpreting whether an observed change in a prevention program's outcome measure is meaningful?
- Sample size
- Statistical significance
- Response rate
- Effect size (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Effect size
Effect size quantifies the magnitude of a program's impact, telling evaluators how meaningful a statistically significant change actually is in practical terms.
Question 7: Under the SPF, 'sustainability' planning should begin:
- Only after program evaluation is complete
- After initial grant funding is secured but well before the grant period ends (Correct answer)
- After community need has been completely eliminated
- During the final month of the funded project period
Correct answer: After initial grant funding is secured but well before the grant period ends
Sustainability planning should begin early in the project to identify alternative funding, institutionalize practices, and build community capacity before funding ends.
CPS Planning & Evaluation 3
A prevention coalition wants to measure changes in community norms about underage drinking.
Which data collection method is MOST appropriate?