ABSTRACT
Studies conducted to assess the outcomes of projects, programs and policies associated with social interventions are called applied or evaluative research. Evaluation research is “applied” in the sense that it is undertaken for a specific client, or for an organization or agency supporting the client. The research is conducted to provide information that will enable determination of a future course of action about the intervention. The researcher undertaking an evaluation will need to take into account not only the client’s perspective on the intended outcome of the project, but also the viewpoints of individuals involved with the intervention, such as sponsors and the public. From the researcher’s point of view, an intervention also should contribute to general scientific knowledge, which researchers are increasingly taking into account when developing evaluative studies. Sometimes evaluations are undertaken with the underlying goal of justifying continuing the intervention.
