ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a discussion about who is involved in data generation in participatory evaluation. While the degree of involvement will depend on situation and context, the involvement of a range of stakeholders in decisions about what data to generate and in the generation of data is paramount. Quantitative data relate to things that can be counted and measured; they provide a numerical description. Qualitative data generally take the form of words or narratives. The trustworthiness of all forms of evaluation is important. Experimental evaluations are generally judged in relation to validity, generalisability, reliability and objectivity. Critics of participatory evaluation methods argue that it is too subjective and that evaluators lose their objectivity due to their closeness to a project and the participants. Engaging stakeholders in discussions about data and data needs helps to create a sense of shared ownership of a project and its mission.
