Evaluation and Research in Health Education

Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of research in health education programs?

To measure community outreach

To assess program participants

To generate new knowledge (correct)

To evaluate program cost-effectiveness

Evaluations for health education programs only focus on outcomes and impacts.

False

What type of evaluation involves using data to determine if a program is being implemented as designed?

Formative evaluation

Evaluation is the systematic investigation of the ________, quality, worth, and/or significance of a health education program.

relevance Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of evaluation to their descriptions:

Formative Evaluation = Identifies ways to adjust program delivery Process Evaluation = Monitors and describes steps for implementation Outcome Evaluation = Assesses the effectiveness in achieving goals Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation = Determines program value relative to its cost Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions should health educators consider when developing an evaluation plan?

What aspects of the program should be evaluated? Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of process evaluation is to assess the impact of a program after it has been implemented.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary purposes of conducting program evaluation?

To understand the program's impact and outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What does fidelity refer to in process evaluations?

The extent to which the program elements were implemented as planned Signup and view all the answers

Summative evaluation focuses solely on the short-term effects of a program.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one framework commonly used in public health program evaluation.

CDC's Six-Step Framework Signup and view all the answers

In a logic model, __________ refers to the actions or changes undertaken to implement the program.

activities Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of evaluations with their primary focus:

Process Evaluation = Implementation fidelity and delivery Impact Evaluation = Short-term changes in knowledge or behavior Outcome Evaluation = Long-term changes and overall outcomes Summative Evaluation = Assessing overall program effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the CDC’s Framework involves meeting with stakeholders to gain consensus?

Engaging stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

Reach refers to the extent to which a program is delivered to the intended audience.

True Signup and view all the answers

What must health educators secure before implementing research components?

Human subjects research approval Signup and view all the answers

In a logic model, __________ are the specific, observable characteristics that measure progress toward outcomes.

indicators Signup and view all the answers

Match the evaluation types with their definitions:

Process Evaluation = Examines implementation fidelity Impact Evaluation = Identifies immediate effects of a program Outcome Evaluation = Measures overall impacts post-program Summative Evaluation = Aims to summarize program effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the activities in the six-step process of the CDC’s Framework?

Justifying conclusions through data analysis Signup and view all the answers

The RE-AIM framework is specifically focused on economic outcomes of health programs.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of gathering credible evidence in evaluation?

To collect data and define indicators to answer evaluation questions Signup and view all the answers

_____________ refers to the overall impacts of a program, including long-term effects such as morbidity.

Outcome evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a logic model?

To link program inputs and activities to outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Descriptive studies aim to manipulate variables to test relationships.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of research seeks to understand social phenomena through interpretations of people's experiences?

Qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

A _____ model assists in demonstrating the connections between resources, activities, and outcomes.

logic Signup and view all the answers

Match the following study designs with their descriptions:

Cross-sectional = Data collected at one point in time Cohort = Follow-up of a group over time Case-control = Comparing subjects with and without a condition Longitudinal = Observing subjects across multiple time periods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of descriptive studies?

Utilizing qualitative data Signup and view all the answers

Reliability refers to the accuracy of a measurement in research.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one threat to internal validity in research studies.

Attrition, testing effects, history, instrumentation, or maturation Signup and view all the answers

A _____ statement describes the need for the research or program.

problem Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of data analysis with its characteristic:

Quantitative data analysis = Organizes and interprets numeric information Qualitative data analysis = Uses narrative form to extract meaning Mixed-methods analysis = Combines both numeric and narrative data Meta-analysis = Analyzes data from multiple studies for broader insights Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the degree to which research findings can be generalized to other contexts?

External validity Signup and view all the answers

A hypothesis is used to make a specific prediction related to a research question.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning is used to develop a hypothesis?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Quantitative research involves _____ numbers to depict program results.

quantifying Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

The outcome variable being measured Signup and view all the answers

Experimental studies do not involve manipulation of variables.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of studies look at past occurrences?

Retrospective studies Signup and view all the answers

In an analytic study, researchers examine the relationship between two or more variables on a specific ________.

outcome Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of studies with their characteristics:

Analytic Studies = Examine associations without manipulation Experimental Studies = Involve direct manipulation of variables Quasi-experimental Studies = Controlled trials without randomization Qualitative Studies = Focus on participant experiences and observations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative studies?

They focus on participant experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Randomized control trials are a type of observational study.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of an existing data source frequently used by health educators.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) Signup and view all the answers

Sampling is the process of selecting cases to represent a ________.

population Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of study designs with their definitions:

Prospective Studies = Look at relationships over time Retrospective Studies = Examine past occurrences Quasi-experimental Design = Include controlled trials without randomization Experimental Studies = Establish causal relationships through intervention Signup and view all the answers

What should health educators consider when designing new instruments for data collection?

Cultural appropriateness Signup and view all the answers

Data collection should be random and unstructured to ensure accuracy.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are randomized control trials primarily used for?

Testing the effects of an intervention Signup and view all the answers

Quantitative research often relies on ________ to represent numerical data and statistical outcomes.

statistics Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not important when selecting data collection measures?

Personal opinions of researchers Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a representative sample?

It aligns closely with the priority population. Signup and view all the answers

Probability sampling involves non-random selection of participants.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the weakest form of sampling commonly used in research?

Nonprobability sampling Signup and view all the answers

A list or map of sampling units in the population is called a __________.

sampling frame Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of data with their descriptions:

Nominal = Categorical data with no quantitative meaning Ordinal = Data sorted by ranking of attributes Interval = Data with equal distances but no true zero Ratio = Data with absolute magnitude and meaningful zero Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data allows for ordering and also has a true zero?

Ratio data Signup and view all the answers

Qualitative data analysis only involves numerical data.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of a literature review in evaluations?

To analyze past research findings and identify effective strategies. Signup and view all the answers

Sampling with the use of volunteers or available participants is known as __________ sampling.

nonprobability Signup and view all the answers

Match the qualitative data analysis methods with their focus:

Content analysis = Identifying themes in narrative data Thematic analysis = Examining similarities and differences in data Discourse analysis = Analyzing communication and language Narrative analysis = Examining the structure of stories and personal accounts Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when using nonprobability samples in research?

Interpret findings with caution due to possible bias. Signup and view all the answers

Qualitative data collection can involve interviews and observations.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is required for data to be analyzed effectively in research?

A research design and appropriate methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a literature review in health education?

To identify gaps in existing research Signup and view all the answers

A systematic literature review only includes primary sources.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of literature describes past research and evaluation studies?

Empirical literature Signup and view all the answers

The method used to quantitatively combine results from several studies is called a ________.

meta-analysis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sources of literature reviews with their descriptions:

Primary sources = Reports of original findings Secondary sources = Synthesis of multiple studies Meta-analyses = Statistical summary of study results Systematic reviews = Method to identify and synthesize research evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be considered in a dissemination plan?

The audience Signup and view all the answers

Lessons learned from program evaluations are unimportant for future decision-making.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main goals of linking conclusions to findings in program evaluation?

To justify the conclusions based on credible evidence Signup and view all the answers

Health educators should strive to use ________ sources for accuracy in literature reviews.

primary Signup and view all the answers

Match the following evaluation types with their characteristics:

Process evaluation = Assesses implementation fidelity Outcome evaluation = Focuses on the effects of the program Formative evaluation = Conducted during program development Summative evaluation = Conducted after program completion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes empirical literature?

It includes research studies that test specific questions. Signup and view all the answers

Evidence-based practices are not essential in designing health education programs.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for conducting a literature review before developing an evaluation plan?

To inform the question or area of focus Signup and view all the answers

The literature review may identify appropriate ________ that can guide the health education program.

theoretical frameworks Signup and view all the answers

What is a systematic review?

A method for identifying and synthesizing existing research evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evaluation and Research in Health Education

Evaluation is a systematic investigation assessing the relevance, quality, and significance of health education programs.
Assigns "value" to program efforts, addressing merit and cost-effectiveness.
Research involves hypothesis testing and scientific methods to generate knowledge for program refinement.

Developing Evaluation and Research Plans

Key questions for health educators: What will be evaluated? What standards must be met? How will evidence be collected?
Formative evaluation assesses program fidelity and implementation adjustments through process evaluation.
Summative evaluation summarizes program effectiveness through impact and outcome evaluations, focusing on immediate and long-term results.

CDC Six-Step Framework for Program Evaluation

Engaging stakeholders: Involves stakeholders in defining evaluation purpose.
Describing the program: Clarifies mission, objectives, and key outcomes.
Focusing on evaluation design: Outlines questions, data collection, and protocols.
Gathering credible evidence: Collects data and defines indicators for evaluation.
Justifying conclusions: Analyzes and interprets collected data.
Using and sharing lessons learned: Reports results and discusses improvements with stakeholders.

Logic Models

Logic models map program inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes to illustrate the rationale behind a program.
Elements include resources, actions, results, and measurable impacts.
Help identify relationships between program elements and assist in ongoing program adjustments.

Research Designs in Health Education

Studies can be descriptive (observational) or experimental.
Observational studies do not manipulate variables and seek to identify relationships.
Experimental studies involve direct control over variables to establish causality.
Quasi-experimental designs offer control without randomization.

Key Definitions and Concepts

Quantitative research quantifies data to test hypotheses, while qualitative research explores social phenomena.
Internal validity ensures that measurements accurately reflect intended concepts.
External validity assesses generalizability of findings to other settings.
Reliability refers to the replicability of measurements under similar conditions.
Dependent variables reflect outcomes, while independent variables are manipulated in studies.

Data Collection and Management

Structured data collection supports accurate and meaningful program evaluation.
Consider existing instruments that have shown reliability and validity when measuring outcomes.
New instruments should align with the research plan, be culturally appropriate, and reflect the priority population.
Sampling is critical for representing the population to ensure conclusions are applicable to broader contexts.

Choosing Data Collection Measures

Evaluate resources, availability, and cultural appropriateness when selecting tools.
Ensure measures are reliable, valid, and sensitive to capture accurate data.
Data collection procedures must outline specific conditions, participant information, and management techniques.### Components of Sampling
Representativeness is essential for aligning samples with the priority population.
A representative sample possesses key characteristics that mirror the priority demographic.
Samples can be categorized as probability (random selection) or nonprobability (non-random selection).
A sampling frame lists potential sampling units, like individuals or communities.

Probability vs. Nonprobability Sampling

Probability sampling uses random methods to reflect the population's characteristics, aiming for statistical validity.
Nonprobability sampling relies on convenience and may involve volunteers, making it the most common yet weaker approach, often leading to bias.

Sample Size

Sample size refers to the recommended number of participants needed to achieve set parameters and desired confidence levels.

Types of Data for Research

Nominal Data: Categorical variables without quantitative value (e.g., gender).
Ordinal Data: Rank-order variables indicating levels but without set intervals (e.g., exercise intensity).
Interval Data: Numeric values with equal intervals but no absolute zero (e.g., temperature).
Ratio Data: Numeric data with meaningful zero allowing for absolute magnitude interpretation (e.g., weight).
Qualitative Data: Information derived from interviews, observations, and open-ended responses.

Data Collection and Analysis Methods

Data can be collected longitudinally or cross-sectionally using notes and recordings.
Content Analysis: Identifies themes in narrative data from various sources.
Thematic Analysis: Focuses on finding patterns and broad categories in data.
Concept Mapping: Visually organizes data relationships using diagrams.

Data Management

Establish plans for data storage and protocols for accuracy checking and error correction.
A data dictionary or codebook is vital for explaining variables and their meanings.
An electronic database aids in secure and accessible data storage.

Data Analysis Techniques

Quantitative analysis applies descriptive or inferential statistics to interpret numeric data.
Qualitative analysis involves narrative accounts for theme identification.
Analysis varies based on design methodologies, including ethnography and grounded theory.

Literature Review Importance

Essential for evaluations to link past research with current methodologies and outcomes.
Identifies knowledge gaps and informs program development based on evidence.

Scope of the Literature Review

Aim to include recent studies (last 10 years) while considering seminal works.
Theoretical literature provides frameworks; empirical literature tests research questions.
Primary sources ensure accuracy, while secondary sources offer synthesized knowledge.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

A systematic literature review synthesizes existing evidence.
Meta-analyses quantitatively merge results from multiple studies.

Communicating and Reporting Results

After analysis, results must be organized, justified, and communicated to stakeholders.
The presentation of findings influences decision-making and future program adjustments.
Dissemination methods include reports, presentations, and publications tailored to audiences.

Conclusion on Evaluation Strategies

Continuous tracking of lessons learned supports informed decisions for health education programs.
Evaluation competencies are crucial for successful health education interventions.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the essential concepts of evaluation and research in health education. It covers systematic investigation methods, the significance of program evaluation, and the CDC Six-Step Framework. Test your knowledge on key components such as formative and summative evaluation processes.