Finding Common Ground

Abstract

In recent years, some federal agencies thatfund demonstration research have required increasingly greater rigor with regard to study design and evaluation. The lines between research and demonstration programs have become blurred. Although a shift to a more research-orientedparadigm has considerable merit, it also should be acknowledged that many aspects of demonstration programs pose challengesfor evaluators. Aflndamental question is whether the program drives evaluation or the evaluation drives the program Other relevant issues include lack of clarity regarding the relation between program and evaluation, professional gaps between research and program staff lack of perceived benefitfor evaluation on the part of staff and clients, and communitydistrustofevaluators and research. Potential solutions offered include improving communication and trust between program staff, research personnel, and clients; enabling program staff to use evaluation data as a clinical tool; and increasing the number of positive indicators assessed.