What would you say are the two types of evaluation in human services and what would be their pros and cons of each evaluation.

What have you learned about evaluations from your assigned text materials?

I have learned that to have an evaluation when working with the human services department, and how doing an evaluation can or can not be good when issues are being made or how they might work for clients. How some think that the manager must be the one to make evaluation and how I feel that most issues involve everyone involved and should include them. But I am confused when there are different types of evaluations.

Good.

What are the two types of evaluations?

What are the good and bad things about each of these types of evaluations?

In the field of human services, there are typically two types of evaluation: formative evaluation and summative evaluation.

1. Formative Evaluation:
Formative evaluation focuses on collecting information during the development or implementation of a program or service. Its primary purpose is to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement. Some pros of formative evaluation include:
- Early identification of potential problems or challenges
- Opportunity for continuous improvement throughout the program or service
- Involvement of stakeholders in the evaluation process, fostering collaboration and shared decision-making

However, formative evaluation also has a few cons:
- It can be time-consuming and may require substantial resources
- Feedback may not be conclusive, as it is based on an ongoing process and may be subject to change
- It may focus more on the process rather than the outcomes of the program or service

2. Summative Evaluation:
Summative evaluation, on the other hand, occurs at the end of a program or service to assess its overall effectiveness or impact. It aims to provide a retrospective analysis and determine the outcomes achieved. Some pros of summative evaluation include:
- Providing a comprehensive assessment of the program or service's overall success
- Generating data that can be used to inform policy decisions or future planning
- Demonstrating accountability to funders, stakeholders, and the general public

However, summative evaluation also has its cons:
- It may come too late to address any shortcomings or implement changes during the program or service
- It may overlook potential nuances or contextual factors that could have influenced outcomes
- It may not capture the full complexity of the program or service, as it often focuses on quantitative data rather than qualitative insights

To determine which type of evaluation is most suitable for a specific situation in human services, it is crucial to consider the goals, resources, stage of program development, and information needs of the stakeholders involved. A combination of both formative and summative evaluation may be beneficial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the program or service's effectiveness.