Outcomes

Explain what an outcome is and some key differences in the term

These are program outcomes that are commonly confused by individuals as program outputs. Hence the need to define what an outcome is. An outcome is a state of the target population or social conditions with which a program intervenes on a characteristic or behavior the program might potentially affect. Some differences are identified when explaining an outcome concerning program services. These differentiations help bring out the aspect of outcomes in the context of program services. The first definition is that an outcome is the observable characteristics of a target population or social conditions. At the same time, the other defines an outcome being the observable characteristics of individuals or social conditions that have not received program services (Ross et al. 229).

From Chapter 5, discuss how an evaluator determines what outcomes are ‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍pertinent (relevant - essential).

An evaluator can help identify the relevant outcomes in the following steps. First, an evaluator has outcomes that can be measured by assessing the stakeholders' perception of pertinent outcomes, outcomes specified in the program's impact theory, and the most relevant previous research. The evaluator's next step is establishing the likelihood of outcomes on which the program may produce unintended effects (Ross et al. 234).

From Chapter 6, discuss three scenarios where an impact evaluation is particularly appropriateThere are scenarios in which impact evaluation for a program is appropriate. There are various scenarios in which impact evaluation is appropriate, and these scenarios are as explained. The first scenario is when a program's mission changes some identifiable outcomes for a defined population or social condition. The other scenario is when a new program is being rolled out for the first time. (Ross et al. 288). There is the scenario of when a program is ongoing when impact evaluation is applicable, especially if major changes within the program aim to improve a program's success (Ross et al. 289).

From Chapter 6, explain the Potential Outcomes Framework and how it is used in an impact evaluation‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍.

The potential outcomes framework is a structure for impact evaluation used to establish the comprehensiveness and substantiality of a program effect. It is used in guiding the evaluator's efforts to determine the effects of known causes, which can be differentiated from attempts to determine the causes of known effects. In impact evaluation, the evaluator uses the potential outcomes framework to determine the effects of social programs, policies, or interventions of interest on the targeted outcomes (Ross et al. 296).

Works Cited

Rossi, Peter H., Mark W. Lipsey, and Gary T. Henry. Evaluation: A systematic approach. Sage publications, 2018.