Program Development & Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real CNE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Program Development & Evaluation flashcards as text
A nonprofit's program evaluation reveals strong outputs (services delivered) but weak outcomes (client change). What is the most likely gap?
Answer: A flawed theory of change linking activities to outcomes
When activities produce outputs but not outcomes, the program's underlying theory of change — its assumptions about how activities cause change — is likely flawed.
What is the primary purpose of a formative evaluation?
Answer: To provide ongoing feedback that improves a program while it is still running
Formative evaluation is conducted during program implementation to identify improvements and strengthen the program in real time.
Which scenario best illustrates the concept of 'mission creep' in program development?
Answer: A food bank begins offering job training, housing assistance, and tax preparation without strategic planning
Mission creep occurs when an organization expands its scope beyond its core purpose without intentional strategy, often diluting program quality and straining resources.
An indicator that measures the number of workshops delivered is classified as which type of measure?
Answer: Output measure
Outputs are the direct products of program activities — such as workshops delivered, meals served, or clients seen — rather than changes in participants.
A nonprofit is piloting a new afterschool program before full-scale launch. Which evaluation approach is most appropriate at this stage?
Answer: Developmental evaluation to support adaptive design
Developmental evaluation is designed for programs in early stages, supporting learning and adaptation rather than rendering a verdict on effectiveness.
What does 'attribution' mean in the context of program evaluation?
Answer: Determining the degree to which a program caused the observed outcomes
Attribution is the challenge of establishing that observed changes in participants were caused by the program rather than other factors.
Which of the following best represents a SMART program objective?
Answer: By December 31, increase the number of uninsured adults screened for diabetes by 25% compared to last year
SMART objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — the third option meets all five criteria.