CPRP Program Implementation and Evaluation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which evaluation type occurs during a program to make improvements while it is still running?
- Formative evaluation (Correct answer)
- Summative evaluation
- Needs assessment
- Impact evaluation
Correct answer: Formative evaluation
Formative evaluation collects data during program implementation to identify problems and make improvements while the program is ongoing.
Formative evaluation uses feedback to shape and improve the program in real time. In contrast, summative evaluation occurs after the program concludes to judge its overall effectiveness and outcomes.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a program logic model?
- To show the relationship between program inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- To create a program schedule
- To calculate program costs
- To assign staff responsibilities
Correct answer: To show the relationship between program inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
A logic model visually maps the theory of change, showing how program resources and activities lead to expected short-term and long-term outcomes.
Logic models show: Inputs (resources) → Activities → Outputs (direct products) → Short-term Outcomes → Long-term Outcomes → Impact. They guide program design, implementation, and evaluation.
Question 3: Which data collection method is most appropriate for measuring participant satisfaction?
- Survey/questionnaire (Correct answer)
- Observation
- Document review
- Interview
Correct answer: Survey/questionnaire
Surveys are the most practical and efficient method for collecting participant satisfaction data from large numbers of recreation program participants.
Post-program surveys are standard practice in recreation for measuring satisfaction, perceived benefits, likelihood to return, and suggestions for improvement. They provide quantifiable data for comparison over time.
Question 4: What does the term "benchmark" mean in program evaluation?
- A standard of comparison used to measure performance (Correct answer)
- The starting point of a program
- The minimum acceptable quality level
- A marker used in trail design
Correct answer: A standard of comparison used to measure performance
A benchmark is a reference point or standard used to compare program performance, often derived from industry standards, best practices, or comparable programs.
Benchmarking helps recreation agencies identify gaps between their performance and best practices, set improvement goals, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.
Question 5: Which implementation factor most directly affects whether a program meets its stated objectives?
- Program fidelity (Correct answer)
- Facility quality
- Marketing reach
- Staff credentials
Correct answer: Program fidelity
Program fidelity refers to how faithfully a program is implemented as designed. High fidelity is associated with achieving intended outcomes.
Research on evidence-based programs shows that programs delivered with high fidelity (following the design specifications) achieve outcomes closer to those found in efficacy research. Adaptation without understanding critical components can undermine effectiveness.
Question 6: What statistical measure is commonly used to report average participant age or satisfaction scores?
- Mean (average) (Correct answer)
- Mode
- Range
- Standard deviation
Correct answer: Mean (average)
The mean (arithmetic average) is the most commonly reported measure of central tendency for continuous variables like age, satisfaction scores, and attendance.
The mean is appropriate when data is normally distributed. Managers should also report standard deviation to indicate variability. For skewed distributions, the median may be more representative.
CPRP Program Implementation and Evaluation 2
Which evaluation type occurs during a program to make improvements while it is still running?