Question

Like survey designs and field studies, evaluation research refers to a research method not a specific research purpose. True or False?

Answer 1

Evaluation research is the systematic assessment of programs or interventions, characterized by its purpose of providing applied findings, and is considered a research purpose rather than a specific method. Various methods such as surveys and field studies can be utilized within evaluation research.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that evaluation research refers to a research method, and not a specific research purpose, is false. In fact, evaluation research, also known as program evaluation, is largely considered a research purpose rather than a specific method. It is a systematic assessment of the worth or merit of time, money, effort, and resources spent with the aim of achieving a goal.

This type of applied research is intended to have real-world applications and can utilize various methods such as surveys, field studies, interviews, and experiments for data collection. The aim is to enhance knowledge and decision making through a rigorous and systematic process of data analysis and reporting which leads to practical applications.

It is important to distinguish between different research approaches. Field studies, surveys, historical data analysis, and other methods are tools for data collection in the service of answering a research question. The strength of a study can depend on the choice and implementation of these methods, which should be best suited to the study topic and overall approach to research. In contrast, evaluation research is about assessing the effectiveness of programs or interventions, and hence is characterized by its purpose rather than its method of data collection.

Answer 2

The assertion that evaluation research is a method rather than a specific research purpose is false. Evaluation research aims to assess the value of various endeavors and can use a plethora of methods, including surveys, for this purpose. It's essential for researchers to select appropriate methods that align with their study objectives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that evaluation research refers to a research method and not a specific research purpose is false. Evaluation research, also known as program evaluation, is indeed a specific research purpose. It involves the systematic assessment of value or merit related to the efforts and resources spent to achieve set goals. This form of research is applied in nature, aiming to produce real-world effects and enhance decision-making. While survey designs, field studies, interviews, and other methods can all be utilized in the process of evaluation research, they are not synonymous with it. Put simply, evaluation research is the overarching goal, and methods like surveys are tools to achieve that goal.

Research methods, including field studies, surveys, and experiments, offer distinct advantages and limitations dependent on the research question at hand. A rigorous research design is crucial for structuring a study and effectively analyzing the data, whether expected or unexpected. It's important for researchers to choose methods that best suit their study topic, align with ethical considerations, and match their overall approach to research. Surveys, which are a method of data collection involving questions about behaviors and opinions, are particularly useful for gathering data from large samples and allowing for generalizations to a larger population, despite their limitations like being subject to self-reporting biases.