microevaluations

Microevaluations are small-scale, rapid assessments of a specific component, program, or intervention intended to inform immediate decisions. They focus on narrowly defined questions, use lightweight data collection, and deliver quick feedback to guide iteration rather than to provide comprehensive judgments.

Typically limited in scope, microevaluations rely on brief surveys, short interviews, quick usability checks, or usage analytics to capture impressions, performance, or satisfaction. They are suitable at multiple stages, from pilot tests to post-implementation check-ins, offering timely signals for improvement.

Common use areas include education (assessing a single teaching technique or activity), workplace training and programs (evaluating a module or workflow change), and product development (usability or feature adoption). They can function as formative components of ongoing program evaluation.

Advantages include speed, low cost, and the ability to test ideas iteratively. Limitations include limited depth, potential biases in small samples, and reduced capacity to attribute outcomes to specific causes or establish long-term impact. They should be complemented by more rigorous evaluations when necessary.

Process typically involves: define the focused question, choose indicators, design lightweight data collection tools, collect data, analyze and summarize findings, and implement changes. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and data privacy, should guide methods and reporting.