Conceptual Issues in Implementing and Using Evaluation in the “Real World” Setting of a Community-Based Organization for HIV/AIDS Services

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper examines a number of conceptual issues inherent in conducting program evaluation and research within a community-based organization (CBO). The paper considers three major types of issues that must be addressed in the evaluation of community-based organizations: (1) programmatic considerations CBOs face; (2) major evaluation design considerations; and (3) how the program and evaluation must accommodate to one another. Examples of the interplay of the first two issues and their resolution are given.