Qualitative Research Evaluation

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EVALUATION DATA RESEARCH

Qualitative research seeks to answer the “why” and not the “how” of the research project that is being conducted, this is done through a complex system of analyzing unstructured information such as survey’s , questionnaires, interviews, interview transcripts, open end survey’s, focus groups, observations, emails, notes, video’s, feed back forms and photo’s; most of the time a qualitative report won’t depend on statistical evidence alone it must be accompanied by detailed facts and proven facts and not hypotheses or in accurate data, this can lead to misunderstanding of data findings and can through the whole aim of the research project off and waste valuable time.

A qualitative research project is mainly used for gaining insight into the attitudes, behaviors, value systems, concerns, and needs of a certain culture and their lifestyles. A qualitative report is used to inform researchers or a business group, school board, community, that there is a need to change or modify a something within their respective practice.

Qualitative research doesn’t manipulate variables or include the researchers definitions of variables, it let’s the meaning emerge from the participants of the research project. A qualitative research project is flexible and diverse it can adjust the settings to accommodate the data collection tools, data collection methods as the research project start to progress towards finding a true variable that isn’t manufactured or inaccurate; qualitative techniques are very useful when a subject is too complex to be answered simply “Yes or No”. The broader scope that is covered in the qualitative research program helps ensure that useful data will be generated and that the research methods aren’t...

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...Includes determining and examining the general and specific outcomes of the program, measuring anticipated outcomes, attempting to identify unanticipated outcomes, assessing the merit of the program, conducting a retrospective benefit/cost assessment.

Formative Evaluation: Is the method of judging a program that’s in the beginning or running phase, formative evaluations focuses on the process. (Bhola, 1990)

EVALUATION DATA RESEARCH continued,

Summative Evaluation: Focuses on the end of the program, the outcome. (Bhola, 1990)

Empowerment Evaluation; Empowerment evaluations are intended to improve the programs understanding and also to raise the efficacy of the participant.

External Observation: The process of not being directly involved in a research project. The external observer may be impartial to interpenetrating what is seen.

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