Policy and Program Evaluation-Exploring Evaluation Strategies
Evaluation Strategies and Factors to Consider
The three evaluations strategies that are suitable for my criminal investigation area are cost-benefits, needs assessment and improved based strategies. The general objective of conducting evaluations is to offer important responses from various respondents. The most important factors to access when conducting an evaluation are cost, time, reliability as well as accuracy (Mertens & Wilson, 2012). In that selecting an evaluation strategy requires a thorough evaluation of the involved cost, the general time of evaluation, accuracy of the strategy and dependability. In that one must settle for the strategy which will not only develop firm and well-organized information with regard to the involved subjects but should also be simple, flexible convenient as well as reliability (Mertens & Wilson, 2012). If the results are not accurate then this implies that the outcome cannot be relied upon.
Formative Evaluation
Formative evaluation can be suitable for capital punishment and sentencing disparity issues investigation. This is because sentencing in regard to crimes is a process that is continuous. The evaluation can, therefore, be utilized to judge the involved process, suggest for modifications or establish the existing issues that are contributing to the inefficiency of the sentencing process (McDavid, Huse, Hawthorn & McDavid, 2012). The objective is to enhance programs while attempting to address the existing faults.
Summative and Formative Evaluations Scenarios
The most suitable scenario where formative evaluation would be most effective is in instances that involve investigating on social issues such as crime rate or drug abuse. On the other, the other hand summative evaluations can be utilized to assess a process that has already been completed in order to assess its capability as well as efficiency (McDavid, Huse, Hawthorn & McDavid, 2012). For instance, after the implementation of a law or policy, the strategy can be applied.
References
McDavid, J. C., Huse, I., Hawthorn, L. R. L., & McDavid, J. C. (2012). Program evaluation and performance measurement: An introduction to practice.
Mertens, D. M., & Wilson, A. T. (2012). Program evaluation theory and practice: A comprehensive guide. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
