This question is asked frequently by Extension agents and specialists as they respond to accountability needs within the Extension organization. The data collection instruments are relatively easy to develop, use, and analyze.
Results are credible and indicate program impact even though the process seems backwards.
Problems with Typical Approach In Extension, a typical approach has been to use a pretest-posttest research design to document behavior change. By the end of the program, their new understanding of the program content may have an impact on the responses on their self-assessment. The evaluation problem, then, is that a pretest taken at the beginning of an Extension education program may be invalid because participants have limited knowledge in responding accurately to the questions being asked on the pretest. C. A participant who doesn't know which foods are rich in vitamin C may overestimate vitamin C intake on the pretest. After actually participating in the Extension program and learning about foods rich in vitamin C, the participant can validly answer the question.