evaluationswissenschaft

Evaluationswissenschaft is a field of study concerned with the theory and practice of evaluation. It encompasses the systematic and objective assessment of programs, projects, policies, products, or services to determine their merit, worth, or significance. The discipline draws upon a range of methodologies from social sciences, statistics, and management to design and implement evaluations that are both rigorous and relevant.

The core purpose of evaluationswissenschaft is to provide information that can inform decision-making, promote accountability, and facilitate improvement. Evaluators aim to answer questions about effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, impact, and sustainability. This information is crucial for stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, program managers, and beneficiaries, who use evaluation findings to understand what is working, what is not, and how to enhance outcomes.

Key concepts within evaluationswissenschaft include different evaluation approaches, such as formative, summative, process, and outcome evaluations. It also deals with the design of evaluation studies, the development of data collection instruments, sampling strategies, data analysis techniques, and the reporting of findings. Ethical considerations, including ensuring the integrity of the evaluation process and the responsible use of findings, are also central to the field. Evaluationswissenschaft seeks to build capacity for effective and ethical evaluation across various sectors.