Research versus Evaluation
There are several important distinctions that should be made between
research and evaluation. According to Fitzpatrick, Sanders, & Worthen (2004) a
primary distinction is the differing purpose of each, which subsequently impacts
several other factors. According to the authors, the primary purpose of research is
to add knowledge to a field and to contribute to the growth of theory. The primary
purpose of evaluation is to help stakeholders make judgments or decisions.
Research is intended for knowledge and program evaluation is intended for use.
The differing purposes of evaluation and research also impact the questions
that are answered. Researchers often choose the hypotheses they are interested in
investigating, while those conducting evaluation are often answering questions
posed by stakeholders