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Glossary
Activities - Administrative or managerial
tasks necessary to start and maintain a project. Activities might include
recruiting participants, scheduling workshops or coordinating speakers.
Data collection instruments - Forms
and sources of information used in evaluation. Forms may include surveys,
case notes, interviews, portfolios, and attendance records. They may be
developed specifically for your evaluation or modified from existing instruments.
Data interval Period at which
outcome data are collected. These may be fixed - such as at program start
and end, or periodic - such as every 3 months. Data intervals may also
include post-program follow-up collection.
Evaluation - A systematic method
for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer basic questions
about a project. Evaluation helps to identify project impact on the target
audience.
Follow-up Assessment of program
impact after program completion. Follow-up may be limited to as little
as several days or as long as several years.
Immediate outcomes - The changes
in project participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or behaviors
that occur early in the course of the project or shortly after completing
the project.
Indicators Measurable conditions
or behaviors that demonstrate the achievement of an outcome by program
participants. Indicators are observable evidence of change in behavior,
skills, knowledge, attitudes, status, or life condition of program participants.
Intermediate outcomes - The changes
in project participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or behaviors
that occur early in the course of the project or shortly after completing
the project.
Inputs Resources dedicated
to and consumed by the project such as funds, staff, materials, and facilities.
Logic model - A step-by-step approach
for defining and measuring project activities and expected project outcomes.
Long-term outcomes Results
or outcomes for project participants that occur several months or longer
after program completion.
Mission Statement A capsule
declaration that describes in general terms the organization's goals,
the services offered, and a definition of the people targeted for services.
Outcomes Outcomes are the
benefits that accrue to participants of a project; they represent the
impact that the project has on participants. Typically, outcomes represent
changes in behavior, skills, knowledge, attitudes, status, or life condition
of participants that occur as a result of the project.
Outputs Direct products of
a project; generally communicated as a number. For example, the number
of people in attendance or the number of concerts performed.
Participant An individual,
family, agency, neighborhood, community, or State receiving or participating
in services provided by your project. Also known as a client, target population,
or audience.
Pilot test Preliminary test
or study of your project or evaluation activities to try out procedures
and make any needed changes or adjustments. For example, an agency may
pilot test new data collection instruments that were developed for the
evaluation.
Post-test A test or measurement
taken after a service or intervention takes place. It is compared with
the results of a pre-test to show evidence of the effects or changes as
a result of the service or intervention being evaluated.
Pre-test A test or measurement
taken before a service or intervention begins. It is compared with the
results of a post-test to show evidence of the effects of the service
or intervention being evaluated. A pre-test can be used to obtain baseline
data.
Purpose Statement A brief,
but specific, description of services that includes identification of
audience, services and intended outcomes. It answers the questions, "We
do what?" "For whom?" "For what outcome or benefit?"
Services Delivered directly
to target audience and lead directly to the achievement of outcomes. Services
might include, e.g., workshops, productions, or mentoring.
Stakeholders Individuals
or entities such as funders, competitors, participants, project staff
or administration, or community groups who influence the type and nature
of services, target population, and defined outcomes as well as how results
are communicated. Stakeholders are also known as "influencers."
Target Stated expectations
for program performance. Targets describe the number or percent of total
participants expected to achieve the program's stated outcomes. Also known
as a "goal."
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