Introduction
Evaluation research is a systematic procedure carried out to determine the effectiveness, impact, and the worth of a particular program using certain criteria. Evaluation is carried out mainly to determine whether the initial program's objectives have been met, and the procedure used to meet the said objectives. Evaluation research may be either formative or summative. Formative evaluation is carried while the program is still ongoing or during the ongoing process of social intervention. The primary objective of formative evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of the ongoing program with the aim of improving the effectiveness aimed at adding value to the project. On the other hand, summative evaluation is carried after the implementation of a certain program. Summative evaluation is carried out mainly to determine whether the outcomes of a certain program meet the original objectives and the effectiveness of the program. Summative evaluation is to make improvements on similar programs in the future. The paper will discuss the process of evaluating the “effectiveness of anti-poverty programs in the United States.”
In carrying out an evaluation on the anti-poverty program effectiveness, in the U.S the most appropriate method to use would be survey method. Survey methodology provides relevant data on the topic when targeting a large population. In addition, the method is cost effective when handling large sample size since questionnaires can be administered via the internet and other relevant sources of data. The research shall also focus on market survey to evaluate the expenditure rates among various groups and health survey to determine the impact of the program towards improving the lives of individuals. Additionally, the research shall embark on conducting surveys on the households to evaluate the significance of the program in poverty reduction among various demographic groups.
In conducting the research, I would use quantitative research method since it is the most convenient method to use in research that involves many respondents. Additionally, quantitative method provides the most accurate data that is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of a certain program. For instance, when carrying out market research the method shall offer accurate information due to repeatability in data collected from the participants since the questions are closed-ended and inflexible. Quantitative research also involves statistical analysis of the data collected that is essential in determining the poverty reduction rate using different variables. For instance, the method shall provide useful information on the expenditure rates in different households and the daily income of individuals while including the government benefits. Accuracy in quantitative method is higher since the researcher ignores all the outliers while carrying out the analysis and the statistical significance enables the researcher to determine whether the findings are real.
In my opinion, I would prefer that evaluation researchers use a stakeholders approach while conducting research due to the various benefits associated to the approach. The first advantage of this approach is that it ensures sustainability of the program since it is ensures the participation of all the relevant stakeholders who ensure the success of the program. Secondly is that stakeholder approach is essential in order to efficiently carry out the implementation of the research plans since the implementation involves the stakeholders as well. The other advantage of a stakeholder approach is that it improves the mutual understanding among stakeholders involved in the program’s implementation. Lastly, the approach is useful in reviewing the program to examine the achievement of the initial objectives.
