Evaluation myths and misconceptions

Evaluation can sometimes seem intimidating due to common misconceptions about its complexity, purpose, and cost.

In this section, we’ll debunk some of the two most persistent myths about evaluation, helping you better understand what evaluation really involves. By exploring these myths, you’ll gain a clearer picture of how evaluations can be tailored to fit different contexts and how accountability and learning can work hand in hand.

Myth 1: Evaluations are always complex, time-consuming, and costly

While some evaluations can be complex, lengthy, and expensive, this is not a universal rule. The complexity, duration, and cost of an evaluation depend on its specific scope and context. There are many evaluation methods available, and some can be done in a quicker and cheaper way. 

Myth 2: Evaluation is only about accountability

Accountability is an important reason for conducting evaluations, but it is not the only purpose. Evaluators can struggle to balance accountability and learning. However, these purposes can coexist, even if they seem at odds.

Accountability and learning are interdependent. You cannot be accountable if you do not learn, and you need to assess your performance to learn. The supposed conflict between learning and accountability is baseless. They complement each other. Understanding effectiveness necessitates both.

 

Resources