Ambiguity

Ambiguity refers to the absence of an overall frame-work to interpret situations. Multiple meanings canexist side by side, and this often causes confusion andconflict. Ambiguity differs from uncertainty. Whereasuncertainty—a shortage of information—can bereduced by facts, new and more objective information will not reduce ambiguity because facts do nothave an inherent meaning. Ambiguity poses particularproblems for evaluators: How is one to evaluate apolicy or program if the underlying concept has noclear meaning? A possible way out is to conduct aresponsive approach that takes ambiguity as a departure point for reflexive dialogues on the evaluated practice.