Evaluation Versus Research

Although the title of this entry implies a dichotomy between evaluation and research, in practice, evaluation is a category of applied research that employs similar methodologies but for a different purpose, focus, and audience. Evaluation is described as a systematic process by which the value, effectiveness, or significance is determined and can be applied to a range of processes, programs, policies, products, and personnel. Research is referred to in the U.S. regulation governing research on human subjects as the “systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge” (Protection of Human Subjects, 45 C.F.R. §46.102(d)).

This entry addresses the similarities and differences between evaluation and research according to their purpose and intention, methods and analysis approaches, and outcomes and ...