Question 1

Raj is in the process of planning a program evaluation. Currently, he is defining the essential components of the program that are critical to its functioning. He gathers information from clients and colleagues for the purpose of identifying the most important components. Raj is focusing on which guideline for conducting an evaluation?

A) Identification of program elements
B) Identification of typical interventions
C) Identification of research questions
D) Identification of typical services

A

Accepted Answer

The guideline Raj is focusing on is the identification of program elements, which involves defining the essential components of the program that are critical to its functioning. This is done by gathering information from clients and colleagues to identify the most important components.

Question 2

The Board of Directors for a public, not for profit agency suggests that that the food pantry program be evaluated. In response to this suggestion, the quality assurance team begins to prepare for the evaluation by identifying pertinent evaluation questions. During a meeting, one individual expresses concerns about the evaluation, stating that the agency is not prepared to complete the evaluation. According to the text, what is the name of the factors that are opposed to completing an evaluation?

A) Defiant
B) Challenge
C) Oppositional
D) Resistant

D

Accepted Answer

The term used in the text to describe the opposition to completing an evaluation is "resistant".

Question 3

Pros and cons can both be identified when exploring the use of use of clients in an evaluation. A pro is that clients can help researchers understand which data collection approaches are the most appropriate and accessible for individuals. A con is that some clients may not provide useful information to researchers due to assumed level of impairment. Which approach assumes that clients are involved during all steps of an evaluation?

A) Feminist models
B) Deductive approaches
C) Participatory action approach
D) Evidence-based models

C

Accepted Answer

The participatory action approach assumes that clients are involved during all steps of an evaluation. This approach emphasizes the importance of involving those who are affected by the evaluation in the decision-making process and values their input and perspectives.

Question 4

Fred has designed general study questions for evaluating a children's program. Prior to this, he explored multiple program elements, including the age of clients served, intake procedures, accessibility of services, and common therapy models. In terms of the feasibility of the evaluation what does he need to consider?

A) Staffing issues
B) Theory selection
C) Expertise in evaluation procedures
D) Identifying potential resources

Accepted Answer

Identifying potential resources is essential for the feasibility of an evaluation.

Question 5

Crafting appropriate and relevant study questions is important for any evaluation. Such questions are often broad and open-ended, and should not to be confused with specific questions that can be asked of research participants. Rather, study questions are used to frame the entire evaluation and should be designed to obtain wanted information given limitations of time and available resources. What characteristic of a study question is being described in the last sentence?

A) Feasible
B) Clarity
C) Not too broad or specific
D) Logistics

Accepted Answer

The last sentence refers to the limitations of time and available resources, indicating that the characteristic being described is feasibility.

Question 6

Concerns of practicality may influence the development of research questions. Some research questions are important, but not enough resources are available for obtaining answers. Likewise, some questions may be important, but there are no data available for answering the inquiries. According to the guidelines for focusing an evaluation, what step comes after evaluation questions are formulated?

A) Literature review
B) Construct data collection approaches
C) Identify the program elements
D) Identify supportive and resistant forces

Accepted Answer

The answer of Concerns of practicality may influence the development...

Question 7

Funding sources are an important resource for social work evaluators. It is crucial that funding availability is known prior to implementing a practice or program evaluation. Of course funding is one of many resources that are available to conducting evaluations. According to the text, which of the following options is most likely a resource for facilitating an evaluation?

A) Client intelligence or higher functioning levels
B) Prior agency experience in completing useful evaluations
C) Professional affiliation
D) International support

Accepted Answer

The text mentions that prior agency experience in completing useful evaluations is a resource that can facilitate an evaluation. This suggests that having previous experience in conducting evaluations can provide valuable insight and knowledge that can be applied to future evaluations.

Question 8

Nikki has evaluated programs for children, adolescents, and adults in public and private agencies. Recently, she was speaking with a colleague about designing a program evaluation. Her comments were in regards to the study questions being well written, clear, and succinct. What characteristic of a study question is she referencing?

A) Tangible
B) Feasible
C) Clarity
D) Importance

Accepted Answer

Nikki is referring to the clarity of the study questions, which should be well-written, clear, and succinct in order to facilitate an effective evaluation.

Question 9

Evaluators need to consider many elements when forming an evaluation, including the types of program being evaluated, types of data available, and the medium in which data is available. To begin, initial questions must be asked in order to structure the evaluation process. To whom are such initial questions directed?

A) Researchers
B) Theorists
C) Legislators
D) Stakeholders

Accepted Answer

The initial questions are directed towards stakeholders, as they are the ones with a vested interest in the program and its outcomes. They can provide valuable insight into the program's goals and objectives, as well as potential areas for improvement. Researchers and theorists may also be involved in the evaluation process, but they typically come in at a later stage after the initial questions have been established. Legislators may have an interest in the program, but they are not necessarily the primary audience for the evaluation.

Question 10

A seasoned social work administrator from a private agency wishes to evaluate a program designed to treat eating and body image disorders. Before commencing the evaluation, the administrator carefully notes the roles of the other administrators within the agency and the possible influence each of these individuals may have on decisions. According to the text, what is Henry taking into consideration?

A) Power dynamics
B) Political context of agency
C) Responsibilities of colleagues
D) Staff hierarchy

Accepted Answer

The administrator is considering the political context of the agency by noting the roles and possible influences of other administrators on decisions, which reflects an understanding of the internal politics and power structures within the organization.

Deck 5: Focusing an Evaluation