Policy Analysis & Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real CAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Policy Analysis & Evaluation flashcards as text
Which evaluation framework assesses whether a nonprofit's activities actually caused the observed outcomes, as opposed to other factors?
Answer: Counterfactual analysis
Counterfactual analysis compares what happened with what would have occurred absent the intervention, establishing causation.
A philanthropic advisor reviewing a housing policy finds that participants self-selected into the program. This introduces which threat to evaluation validity?
Answer: Selection bias
Selection bias occurs when participants differ systematically from non-participants, skewing outcome comparisons.
In policy analysis, 'cost-effectiveness analysis' differs from 'cost-benefit analysis' primarily because it:
Answer: Measures outcomes in natural units rather than dollars
Cost-effectiveness analysis compares costs per unit of outcome (e.g., cost per life saved) without monetizing the outcome itself.
Which stage of the policy cycle is most directly informed by program evaluation findings?
Answer: Policy revision and termination
Evaluation findings feed into policy revision or termination decisions by demonstrating whether a program is achieving its goals.
A CAP advisor wants to understand stakeholders' subjective experiences with a charitable housing program. The most appropriate method is:
Answer: In-depth qualitative interviews
In-depth qualitative interviews capture nuanced stakeholder perspectives and lived experiences that quantitative methods miss.
When evaluating a multi-year philanthropic initiative, 'formative evaluation' is best described as:
Answer: Ongoing evaluation used to improve the program during implementation
Formative evaluation gathers data during implementation to guide program improvements before the final assessment.
Which indicator would be classified as an 'outcome' rather than an 'output' in a program logic model?
Answer: Percentage of participants who gained employment
Outcomes reflect changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, or conditions for participants, whereas outputs are the direct products of activities.