Research Methods Knowledge Base

by Prof William M.K. Trochim hosted by Conjointly

Evaluation Research

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APA

Trochim, W. M. K. (n.d.). Evaluation Research. In The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Conjointly. Retrieved [June 19, 2026], from https://conjointly.com/kb/evaluation-research/.

MLA

Trochim, William M.K. "Evaluation Research." The Research Methods Knowledge Base, Conjointly, https://conjointly.com/kb/evaluation-research/. Accessed 19 June 2026.

Chicago

Trochim, William M.K. "Evaluation Research." The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Conjointly. https://conjointly.com/kb/evaluation-research/. Accessed June 19, 2026.

One specific form of social research – evaluation research – is of particular interest here. The Introduction to Evaluation Research presents an overview of what evaluation is and how it differs from social research generally. We also introduce several evaluation models to give you some perspective on the evaluation endeavor. Evaluation should not be considered in a vacuum. Here, we consider evaluation as embedded within a larger Planning-Evaluation Cycle.

Evaluation can be a threatening activity. Many groups and organizations struggle with how to build a good evaluation capability into their everyday activities and procedures. This is essentially an organizational culture issue. Here we consider some of the issues a group or organization needs to address in order to develop an evaluation culture that works in their context.