What tools and resources can you use for quality research project evaluation?

1 Evaluation frameworks

Evaluation frameworks are sets of principles, methods, and indicators that guide and structure your evaluation process. They help you to define the purpose, scope, and questions of your evaluation, as well as the data collection, analysis, and reporting methods. Evaluation frameworks can vary depending on the type, context, and stage of your research project, as well as the stakeholders and audiences involved. Some examples of evaluation frameworks are the Kirkpatrick model, the logic model, the RE-AIM framework, and the RCUK impact framework. You can use existing evaluation frameworks or adapt them to suit your research project needs.

2 Evaluation tools

Evaluation tools are specific instruments or techniques that you use to collect, analyze, or present your evaluation data. They can be qualitative or quantitative, depending on the nature and source of your data. Evaluation tools can help you to measure, compare, or illustrate various aspects of your research project, such as the inputs, outputs, outcomes, impacts, or quality indicators. Some examples of evaluation tools are surveys, interviews, focus groups, bibliometrics, altmetrics, case studies, or dashboards. You can use ready-made evaluation tools or design your own, depending on the availability and suitability of your data.

3 Evaluation resources

Evaluation resources are materials or platforms that provide you with information, guidance, or support for your evaluation process. They can be online or offline, depending on the accessibility and reliability of your sources. Evaluation resources can help you to learn, improve, or share your evaluation practices, as well as to find or use evaluation frameworks or tools. Some examples of evaluation resources are websites, blogs, podcasts, webinars, books, journals, reports, or networks. You can use reputable evaluation resources or create your own, depending on the relevance and quality of your content.

4 Evaluation ethics

Evaluation ethics are the norms and values that govern your evaluation process. They ensure that your evaluation is conducted in a responsible, respectful, and trustworthy manner, respecting the rights and interests of your research participants, partners, funders, and users. Evaluation ethics can help you to avoid or address potential ethical issues or dilemmas that may arise in your evaluation process, such as informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, data protection, or conflicts of interest. Some examples of evaluation ethics are the ethical principles of the American Evaluation Association, the ethical guidelines of the European Evaluation Society, or the ethical codes of conduct of your research institution or discipline.

5 Evaluation feedback

Evaluation feedback is the communication of your evaluation results and recommendations to your relevant stakeholders and audiences. It enables you to share your evaluation findings and lessons learned, as well as to solicit and incorporate feedback from others. Evaluation feedback can help you to improve your research project performance, quality, and impact, as well as to enhance your evaluation skills and practices. Some examples of evaluation feedback are reports, presentations, posters, infographics, podcasts, videos, or blogs. You can use different formats and channels to deliver your evaluation feedback, depending on the preferences and expectations of your stakeholders and audiences.

6 Evaluation learning

Evaluation learning is the process of reflecting on and applying your evaluation results and recommendations to your current or future research projects. It involves identifying and addressing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of your research project, as well as the gaps, needs, and priorities of your research field or community. Evaluation learning can help you to develop your research project relevance, innovation, and excellence, as well as to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in your research domain. Some examples of evaluation learning are action plans, improvement plans, dissemination plans, or research agendas. You can use various strategies and methods to foster your evaluation learning, such as peer review, mentoring, coaching, or collaboration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?