Research Evaluation: What Is It And My Example

Research Evaluation: What is it and my example?

For this assignment, you are to access any version of Webster's Dictionary and copy two definitions: one definition for Research, and one definition for Evaluation. Post them to the start of your paper. Limit these to about 1/2 of the page. These definitions should be verbatim from the Webster's source you find. Use your discretion to limit the copied verbiage to NO MORE THAN 1/2 page.

After your copied definitions of the words Research and Evaluation, and you review them, from these Webster definitions, write your OWN Definition. This MUST BE YOUR OWN version of what you have just researched. In other words, the two words might be indicated as Research Evaluation, but in your own definition, what does Research+Evaluation mean to YOU. Not what I say, or Webster, or your book, or YouTube...but what do YOU SAY? This definition surely must be a composite of the two words meshed together into a single, definition---YOUR definition.

Now, after you have consulted Webster, formed your own definition, give a concrete example of where Research Evaluation is applied in research, e.g., the military, community service, your own life, etc. You only need to give ONE EXAMPLE, but it needs to be a real example, not some theoretical axiom of the Ninth Order!

Paper For Above instruction

Definitions from Webster's Dictionary

Research: "The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions." (Webster's Dictionary, 2023)

Evaluation: "The making of a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment." (Webster's Dictionary, 2023)

Your Own Definitions

Research, to me, is a deliberate and structured pursuit of knowledge where one seeks to uncover facts, understand phenomena, or solve problems through systematic inquiry. It involves collecting data, analyzing evidence, and drawing conclusions that contribute new insights to a specific field or context.

Evaluation, in my perspective, is the process of critically assessing or judging the significance, quality, or effectiveness of a concept, program, or outcome based on established criteria, with the aim to determine its value or impact.

Combining these, Research Evaluation is the purposeful process of investigating and appraising a project, program, or idea to understand its effectiveness, validity, and relevance. It is a tool used to measure success, identify areas for improvement, and inform decision-making based on systematic data and critical analysis.

Example of Research Evaluation in Practice

An example of Research Evaluation can be seen in the context of community health programs. For instance, a local health agency implements a new smoking cessation program and conducts research to evaluate its effectiveness. The agency gathers data on participant quit rates, assesses the program's implementation fidelity, and analyzes factors influencing success. This evaluation informs whether the program should be continued, modified, or scaled up. Such research evaluation aids policymakers and health practitioners in making evidence-based decisions to improve public health outcomes.

References

  • Webster's Dictionary. (2023). Definition of research and evaluation. Retrieved from https://www.webster'sdictionary.com
  • Patton, M. Q. (2008). Utilization-focused evaluation. Sage.
  • Kirkpatrick, D. L. (1996). Evaluating training programs: The four levels. Berrett-Koehler.
  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
  • Scriven, M. (1991). Evaluation thesaurus. Sage Publications.
  • Fitzpatrick, J. L., Sanders, J. R., & Worthen, B. R. (2010). Program evaluation: Alternative approaches and practical guidelines. Pearson.
  • Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A systematic approach. Sage Publications.
  • Davidson, E. J. (2005). Evaluation methodology basics: The nuts and bolts of sound evaluation. Sage.
  • Rainey, H. G. (2014). Understanding and managing public organizations. Routledge.
  • Shadish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (2002). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference. Houghton Mifflin.

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