Evaluationswhere

Evaluationswhere is a term used in evaluation science to refer to approaches that systematically integrate spatial, organizational, and situational context into the assessment of programs, policies, or interventions. It emphasizes the 'where' dimension alongside 'what' and 'how' of evaluation.

Definition and scope: The concept covers geographic comparisons across sites, as well as contextual factors such as governance structures, service delivery models, and community characteristics that influence outcomes. It seeks to enable meaningful comparisons and learning across diverse settings.

Methods and practice: Evaluationswhere uses multi-site designs, contextual mapping, and statistical adjustment to account for differences between sites. It may combine quantitative indicators with qualitative data to explain how context affects results. Data alignment across settings and participatory approaches are common.

Applications: It is used in public health, education, environmental programs, and humanitarian interventions that operate across multiple locations. By focusing on where results occur, evaluators can identify contextual levers and tailor recommendations.

Limitations and reception: The approach can increase complexity, data demands, and risk of misinterpretation if context is not properly defined. Critics caution against over-adjustment or superficial comparisons. It remains an emerging concept rather than a standardized methodology; related ideas include realist evaluation, context-sensitive evaluation, and geo-spatial analysis.