Qualitative Method

Focus groups are significant in program evaluation since they are used to gather subjective perspectives from key stakeholders in an organization (Curry, Nembhard & Bradley, 2009). For instance, focus groups were useful in the evaluation of a CDC-funded diabetes prevention program. The program evaluation encompassed focus groups of college students who had participated in the program. Focus groups were useful in this program because it provided a more in-depth information on the student’s perception, belief, experience and insights about the CDC-funded Asthma prevention program. Precisely, focus groups were used to collect data on senior students’ perceptions on how well they were managing their asthma. Similarly, data were gathered from senior students to determine the effect of asthma on their school performance. Focus groups would work best for this program because the evaluator can get quick and useful information from the group dynamic compared to the more systematic survey method. Similarly, focus groups involve interaction and require less preparation; hence, it is easy to conduct (Berkowitz, 2006).

Quantitative Method

Survey is useful in gathering a large amount of data due to its ability to provide a broader perspective (Curry, Nembhard & Bradley, 2009). For instance, the National Science Foundation used surveys to obtain data for the evaluation of the graduate research fellowship program in the USA. The program seeks to enhance and maintain advanced training of graduates in STEM fields by offering fellowship programs to approximately 2,000 U.S. nationals (National Opinion Research Center, n.d.). During the data collection exercise, surveys were used to obtain information from six institutions that included in-person interviews with staff, administrators and faculty. They provided in-depth data on their understanding of the impact of the program on institutions and Fellows. Similarly, data were collected from Fellows and applicants who did not receive the award for the fellowship program. In the case of this program, surveys and not focus groups would be useful because it involves gathering information from large groups. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program requires standardized information from large groups of students. Students would provide information on their school experiences, professional conductivity, career outcome and educational attainment.

References

Berkowitz, E. N. (2006). Essentials of health care marketing. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Curry, L. A., Nembhard, I. M., & Bradley, E. H. (2009). Qualitative and mixed methods provide unique contributions to outcomes research. Circulation, 119(10), 1442-1452.

National Opinion Research Center. (n.d.). Evaluation of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Retrieved from http://www.norc.org/research/projects/pages/evaluation-of-the-graduate-research-fellowship-program-.aspx

 
Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?