Evaluative Research vs. Explanatory Research

Attribute	Evaluative Research	Explanatory Research
Purpose	Assess the effectiveness or value of a program, policy, or intervention	Explain the relationships between variables and phenomena
Focus	Outcome or impact evaluation	Cause and effect relationships
Methodology	Uses quantitative and qualitative methods	Primarily quantitative methods
Time Frame	Can be conducted at any point during or after a program or intervention	Usually conducted after data collection

Introduction

Evaluative research and explanatory research are two common types of research methodologies used in various fields such as social sciences, education, and business. While both types of research aim to provide valuable insights and information, they differ in their objectives, methods, and outcomes. In this article, we will compare the attributes of evaluative research and explanatory research to understand their similarities and differences.

Objectives

One of the key differences between evaluative research and explanatory research lies in their objectives. Evaluative research is primarily focused on assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of a particular program, policy, or intervention. It aims to determine whether the intended outcomes have been achieved and to provide recommendations for improvement. On the other hand, explanatory research seeks to understand the underlying causes and relationships between variables. It aims to explain why certain phenomena occur and how they are related to each other.

Methods

Another important distinction between evaluative research and explanatory research is their methods. Evaluative research often involves the use of quantitative data collection methods such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis. It relies on measurable outcomes and statistical significance to evaluate the success of a program or intervention. In contrast, explanatory research typically uses qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies. It focuses on exploring the perspectives, experiences, and motivations of individuals to uncover deeper insights.

Outcomes

The outcomes of evaluative research and explanatory research also differ in terms of their implications and applications. Evaluative research results are often used to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and improve programs or policies. The findings are typically presented in a clear and concise manner to facilitate decision-making. On the other hand, explanatory research results are more exploratory and theoretical in nature. They contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing new insights, theories, or frameworks for understanding complex phenomena.

Examples

To illustrate the differences between evaluative research and explanatory research, let's consider two hypothetical scenarios. In the first scenario, a government agency conducts evaluative research to assess the impact of a new public health campaign aimed at reducing smoking rates among teenagers. The researchers collect survey data from a sample of teenagers before and after the campaign to measure changes in smoking behavior. The findings are used to determine the effectiveness of the campaign and make recommendations for future interventions.

In the second scenario, a group of researchers conducts explanatory research to explore the factors influencing job satisfaction among employees in a large corporation. They conduct in-depth interviews with employees from different departments to understand their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences at work. The researchers analyze the qualitative data to identify common themes and patterns related to job satisfaction. The findings contribute to the existing literature on organizational behavior and provide insights for improving employee engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evaluative research and explanatory research serve distinct purposes and have unique characteristics that set them apart. Evaluative research focuses on assessing outcomes and making recommendations for improvement, while explanatory research aims to uncover underlying causes and relationships. The methods, outcomes, and applications of these two types of research differ significantly, but both are valuable in generating knowledge and informing decision-making. Researchers should carefully consider the objectives of their study and choose the appropriate research methodology that best suits their research questions and goals.