Report Length: A Factor Influencing Audience Perceptions of an Evaluation Study

Abstract

Findings from an evaluation study can be effectively communicated in a summary form. In this empirical study, the length of the summary report influenced responses of audience members to the summary. Respondents reading either a 13-page “Abridged Summary” or a shorter, 5-page “Executive Summary” favored the longer version. The Abridged Summary was better received, as evidenced by audience ratings of overall quality and worth of the report.