Introduction to Evaluation

This paper consists of elucidating the discussion about the difference between program evaluation and research. The emphasis relies on explaining the rationale for program evaluation and providing a lens for the research perspective. For both considerations, paramount issues of utility, validity, scientific accuracy, and validity will continue to dwell in a researcher’s inquiry (McNamara, 2002; Simon,2001).

There are salient benchmarks of program evaluation that seem to appear within the research continuum. The writer/researcher presents, based on several claims about program evaluation made by Simon (2001), and Taylor-Powell, Steele, & Douglah (1996), the selected tenets: experiential learning, which involves a type of learning experience based on reflection,  direct observations for program activities, or practices, and data collection .The writer/researcher sees in both processes a linkage to phenomenology inquiries in qualitative research design, and scientific data collection techniques and analysis for quantitative research designs(Creswell, 2009 ; Lincoln and Guba, 1985). Using experiential learning to reflect catapults to life experiences, or meaning of life experiences, as important frameworks in phenomenology inquiries (Giorgi, 1971). To approach data phenomenologically, the attitude of openness for whatever is significant aids in understanding the phenomena (Giorgi, 1971). Van Manen (2002) argued for experiential learning as a source for meaning of life experiences. Schutz (1967) posited meaning of one’s lived experiences, as sometimes the other’s own subjective experiences.

A researcher uses the methodology of phenomenology as a guide in conducting interviews, collecting data, and then analyzing it. Planning for program evaluation involves similar steps to collecting information. Nonetheless, the process differs. Qualitative research methodology focuses on asking questions about phenomena for the purpose of expanding perspectives and understanding about the phenomena (Singer, 1998). In program evaluation, using the data by asking how it will be analyzed, interpreted, and what is its impact on people’s needs and learning are essential ques