Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Flashcards

Which evaluation design compares program outcomes to a group that did not receive the intervention?

Answer: Control group design

A control group design measures outcomes in both a program group and a non-program group to isolate the program's effect.

What does 'attribution' mean in the context of program evaluation?

Answer: Linking observed outcomes to the program rather than other factors

Attribution refers to determining the degree to which a program caused the observed outcomes versus external factors.

A volunteer manager notices satisfaction scores dropped after a policy change. Which continuous improvement step should come next?

Answer: Conduct root cause analysis to understand why scores dropped

Root cause analysis helps identify the underlying reasons for a performance decline before deciding on corrective action.

Which metric best measures volunteer program efficiency?

Answer: Program outcomes achieved per dollar or hour invested

Efficiency measures relate outputs or outcomes to the resources consumed, such as cost per beneficiary served.

In the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, what is the primary purpose of the 'Check' phase?

Answer: Comparing results against expected outcomes to evaluate success

The Check phase involves measuring and analyzing results to determine whether the implemented changes achieved the intended goals.

Which data collection method is most appropriate for capturing volunteer experiences in depth?

Answer: In-depth interview

In-depth interviews allow volunteers to share nuanced experiences and perspectives that closed-ended surveys may miss.

A program logic model's 'inputs' typically include which of the following?

Answer: Volunteer hours, funding, and staff expertise

Inputs are the resources invested in a program, such as human capital, funding, materials, and partnerships.