Formative, process and outcome

Carol Boustead explains:

Traditionally evaluation research has been considered under three headings - formative, process and outcome. The focus and timeframe of the evaluation distinguishes the three types.

-	Formative evaluations try to develop or improve programmes and are usually carried out as the program is being set up. There is an expectation that a service will evolve rapidly in its early stages, and formative evaluations are designed with this in mind.
-	Process evaluations aim to access and state the value of service components. The evaluation is usually carried out over a longer period of time than with a formative evaluation, and the data gathering is continuous and inductive.
-	Outcome evaluations assess the effects of service operations on their target populations. In this type of evaluation, given that both intended and unintended outcomes should be examined, the autonomy of the evaluator from the service is usually important.

CBG research group performs all types of evaluation. Our process typically commences with the development of a framework to understand the service in the context of prevailing organisational structures. Key informant interviews and a literature search help us to identify areas for special attention. We work closely and interactively with the service providers and/or the client purchasing the evaluation.

Our approach is centred on the goals of the service. However care is taken not to ignore unintended impacts or outcomes. These can be critical to comprehensive evaluation. CBG research group presents the proposed methodology to the service providers and/or the client. We give advice about data collection, aim to involve service professionals and up-skill individuals wherever relevant and possible. In this way our evaluations become as unobtrusive as possible and an asset to, and not a test of, services.