Definitions
Joseph Canner, Jodie Hale, Chip Flemmer, and Bryan Kirby
Boise State University
EDTECH/505
Dr. Jeremy Tutty
Evaluation
Evaluation refers to any activities that are aimed at understanding the effect of a program or intervention. Evaluations can include assessments of program participants, research of program interventions, and investigations of program personnel, policies, and products. The results of an evaluation could address the efficiency, effectiveness, and/or impact of the program.
Research
Research is the process of collecting and analyzing data for the purpose of answering a specific question or testing a hypothesis. This is often accomplished either by comparing two or more groups, some or all of which are receiving an intervention, or comparing the results before and after an intervention. Research is carried out in a precisely controlled environment in order to ensure that study groups are comparable and so that results cannot be attributed to external factors. The most reliable way to do this is to divide subjects randomly into groups.
The results of research can be used as part of an evaluation if the research involves a hypothesis concerning the program being evaluated. Research results can also inform the decisions as to what programs to adopt in the first place.
Assessment
An assessment is a tool that is used to gather information about an activity, program or intervention. Assessments are used in many contexts, including program evaluation, job performance reviews, client satisfaction surveys, and teaching. Ideally, assessments should be aimed at improving that which is being assessed.