Impact evaluation

From EvaluationWiki

This approach emerged in an attempt to break away from 'process evaluation' (typically of programs) which looked only at what the program was doing, not what it was producing in the way of results (e.g., it would look at how many workshops were given on avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, but not find out whether there was any reduction in the incidence of those diseases in the population getting the workshops). This kind of process emphasis persisted despite the fact that the program was introduced simply because of its intended effects (impact) not just to give the staff jobs. As is all too common, the result was an equal and opposite fallacy-evaluations that only looked at outcomes, not also at the process used to get them. As the old aphorism has it, 'The end does not justify the means' and illicit/unethical processes are just as fatal a flaw in a program as a lack of impact. Competent evaluation considers both-and more.