The steps for process evaluation are very similar to those for other types of evaluation; in fact, the purpose and timing of a process evaluation are the elements that most distinguish it. A process evaluation is conducted during the implementation phase of the program to evaluate whether it is being implemented as intended and how delivery can be improved. A process evaluation can also be useful in supporting an outcome evaluation by helping to determine the reason behind program outcomes.
In this Discussion, you review a process evaluation research study and look closely at its timing within the implementation phase, considering whether a different timing would have led to different information.
Review the text chapter and informational websites about process evaluation in the Learning Resources.
Review the research articles focusing on process evaluation in the Learning Resources. Select one that produced valuable information and that you would like to analyze for this Discussion.
BY DAY 3
Identify the process evaluation article that you chose and explain why you selected this example.
Describe the purpose of the evaluation, the informants, the questions asked, and the results of the evaluation.
Identify the stage of program implementation in which the evaluation was conducted.
Consider why the researchers chose to evaluate at that stage of program implementation. What kind of information would they have received if they had conducted the evaluation earlier or later?
If you were to replicate the study, would you adjust it in any way for more optimal results?
Week 9: Learning Resources
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Dudley, J. R. (2020). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Chapter 8, “Improving How Programs and Practice Work”
Read “Implement the Intervention as Proposed” (pp. 175–179).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Types of evaluation. https://prevention-collaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CDC_2017_Types-of-Evaluation.pdf
TSNE. (2018, June 14). Process evaluation vs. outcome evaluation . https://www.tsne.org/blog/process-evaluation-vs-outcome-evaluation
Process Evaluation Studies
Lachman, J. M., Kelly, J., Cluver, L., Ward, C. L., Hutchings, J., & Gardner, F. (2018). Process evaluation of a parenting program for low-income families in South Africa. Research on Social Work Practice , 28 (2), 188–202. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731516645665
Vil, C. S., & Angel, A. (2018). A study of a cross-age peer mentoring program on educationally disconnected young adults. Social Work , 63 (4), 327–336. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swy033
This discussion asks you to review a process-evaluation study and examine its timing within the implementation phase — whether different timing would have yielded different information. The key is understanding what makes process evaluation distinct: when and why it’s done.
Key takeaways
- Process evaluation checks whether a program is implemented as intended, during delivery.
- Its defining features are purpose and timing (the implementation phase).
- Review a real study and describe its timing.
- Analyze how different timing might have changed the findings.
- Note how process evaluation supports outcome evaluation.
What makes process evaluation distinct
Explain that process evaluation is conducted during implementation to assess fidelity (is the program delivered as designed?), reach, and how delivery could improve — distinct from outcome evaluation, which measures results. Its timing is its signature feature.
Review the study
Summarize a chosen process-evaluation study: the program, what was evaluated, and crucially when in the implementation phase it occurred (early, mid, or late).
Analyze the timing
Consider how different timing would change the information: early evaluation catches start-up problems and allows course-correction; later evaluation captures a stabilized program but misses early fixes. Discuss what was gained or lost given the study’s actual timing.
Link to outcomes
Note how process findings help explain outcome results — why a program did or didn’t work.
Format
Reference the study and your Learning Resources, cited.
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