Cartoons

Synonyms:
Comics
pencil drawing

Cartoon images can be used by evaluators to an understanding of program impact, scenes of program implementation, main findings or issues.

Cartoons can be a helpful addition to formal reports. They can allow readers to see a point differently, add humour, and break up large sections of prose.

Some evaluators work closely with cartoonists and commission specific illustrations. Other evaluators use stock images that are available on the web. You can also create your own cartoons using a range of readily available software. Consider how you want to include the right images for your report.

Advantages of using cartoons are communicating with low-level readers, bridging language barriers, and stimulating dialogue and reflection among stakeholders about the findings illustrated.

Examples

For an example of this, check out the blog by Lucy Lambe on the London School of Economics and Political Science LSE Impact Blog.

Advice for choosing this method

  • Provide advice to the evaluators on the organizational context and receptivity of your institution to cartoons. 

Advice for using this method

  • Some audiences may not value cartoons. Ensure that your audience sees this form of communication as credible prior to developing cartoons lest this detracts from the evaluation report and findings. Test the cultural appropriateness of cartoons with your audience.
  • Consider keeping a file of images for use in other contexts. 

Resources

Torres, R., Preskill, H., & Piontek, M. E. (2005). Evaluation strategies for communicating and reporting, enhancing learning in organizations. (Second ed.). Sage. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/books/Book225545

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