As a graduate student at the Arizona State University in the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education, I am beginning my Capstone process. In one of our classes, we have been asked to develop a definition for "Research" and "Evaluation" in our own words.
Research and Evaluation
· Research is the collection of information with the intent of increasing knowledge and understanding on a specific subject.
· Evaluation is the practice of judging the performance to a specific set of criteria or standards for accomplishment.
To compare and contrast "Research" and "Evaluation" if noticed these specific items.
Compare and Contrast
· Similarities – Both Research and Evaluation should be grounded in empirical evidence. In each, reliable and valid evidence is collected for analysis.
· Differences – The purpose of research is to collect information to explain existing bodies of knowledge or generate new theories. The purpose of evaluation is to assess the understanding or performance against a specified standard.
In your experience as educators or professionals, is there marked differences between these concepts or have they become synonymous?
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