Final answer:
Three ways an agency can conduct an evaluation study: hiring external evaluators, conducting the evaluation themselves, or collaborating with other programs or agencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an agency wants to conduct an evaluation, there are three main ways they can go about getting a study done:
- They can hire external evaluators, such as community psychologists, to conduct the evaluation. These evaluators use social science methodologies to systematically investigate program merits, outcomes, and processes.
- They can design and carry out the evaluation themselves. This can involve mixed-methods approaches, including interviews and surveys to gather data.
- They can collaborate with academic or community-based programs and agencies to conduct the evaluation. This may involve participating in joint submissions for funding and engaging in evaluation activities together.
These are three common approaches that agencies can take to ensure a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of their programs.