____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Subject PSYCHOLOGY
Paper No and Title Paper No.16: Community Psychology
Module No and Title Module No. 40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
Module Tag PSY_P16_M40
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Learning Outcomes
2. Introduction
3. Program Development and Evaluation
3.1 Program Development
3.1.1 Community Mental Health Services
3.1.2 Community Programs, Inc., United States
3.2 Program Evaluation
3.2.1 Steps of Program Evaluation
3.2.2Types of Program Evaluation
3.2.3 Principles in Program Evaluation
4. Linking Program Evaluation and Program Development
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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4.1 Evaluation as a Part of Development
5. Summary
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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1. Learning Outcomes
After studying this module, you shall be able to
Know the meaning of community programs
Learn the importance of program development
Understand the steps of program evaluation
Evaluate the effectiveness of community program evaluation
Analyze the importance of evaluation for program development
2. Introduction
Community Psychology Programs:
Around the time of the World War II, psychologists used to work in clinical or laboratory
settings. However, this trend took a turn when there was a need to provide the public with mental
health professionals. So, these psychologists were trained to work in the communities by having a
direct contact with them. Programs were developed to help the communities. These included
therapeutic services like cognitive-behavioural therapy to alter the cognitions of the disabled and,
in turn, their behavior.
3. Program Development and Evaluation
3.1 What is Program Development?
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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Program development refers to laying down the action plan for aiding a physically or mentally
disabled person by his or her community. The services are not provided in a clinic but are
provided by the members of the community or by the psychologists by being a part of the
community. The program so developed would lay down the objectives of the community program
and the areas the areas to be dealt with. This involves coming up with a plan of action which
includes the initiatives to be taken to help the disabled. It also includes the ways of reaching the
individuals who need help as well as the method of helping them.
FIGURE 2
3.1.1 Community Mental Health Services:
It is a system of providing mental health services to communities in the United Kingdom by
mental health professionals. The services are provided by being a part of the community. There
are services like halfway houses, clinics and day centers. These are more accessible and reach the
weaker sections of the community.
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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3.1.2 Community Programs, Inc., United States: (Figure 4)
Handles their
judicial issues
Teatment to help
the Michigan
communities in
the US
Therapeutic
services by
Takes care of meeting their
their insurance social, emotional
and educational
needs
FIGURE 4
3.2 Program Evaluation
After the program is developed, the programs are evaluated to check if they even work. Thorough
evaluation is required before applying the programs on a community. According to Bloom
(1972), the evaluation reports received about how the program has earlier worked and the
possibilities of it working in the future are known as “program descriptions”. In these reports, the
personnel involved in the program are judged and assessed. It is also seen that the number of
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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people going to outside hospitals are reduced as it would
reflect the effectiveness of the program. (Figure 5)
FIGURE 5
3.2.1 Steps of Program Evaluation (Bloom, 1972): (Figure 6)
Mention the objectives of the
program
Elaborate the aspects of the
program
Mention the ways of treating the
disorders
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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Check the effectiveness of the
program in the past as well as make
it economical
FIGURE 6
3.2.2 Types of Program Evaluation: (Figure 7 )
TYPES OF PROGRAM
EVALUATION
FORMATIVE: SUMMATIVE:
Focuses on the development of Focuses on program results and
the program like attaining involves concerns related to the
resources for the program to be effectiveness and quality of the
applied program
FIGURE 7
3.2.3 Principles in Program Evaluation: (Figure 9)
Assessment of Program Theory- Health programs have theories of action or logic models
which are statements linking the problems to be assessed, the ways of assessing them and
the potential outcomes (Kumpfer).
Consideration of Evaluation Tools for Each Community- According to Kumpfer, there
should be standard measure of evaluation but at the same time, the differences between
various communities, in terms of age groups, gender, culture and other practices and
norms, should be considered.
Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation- According to Yinn, answers to question asking
who, what and when are quantitative. On the other hand, answers to questions asking
how and why are qualitative. Both the aspects of the situation should be covered.
Social Ecology and Social System- These principles explicate the social and
environmental aspects of human behavior. The problems which have occurred have
cultivated in a social setting. Therefore, there should be focus on ecology based
evaluation.
Involvement of Local Stakeholders- The involvement of the community members bridges
the gap between the evaluator and the community. Their participation would enhance the
quality of evaluation by understanding the problems to be targeted and reducing the
program costs. (Figure 10)
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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Assessment
of Program
Theory
Consideratio
n of
Evaluation
Tools for
each
Community
Social Quantitative
Ecology and and
Social Qualitative
System Evaluation
FIGURE 9
4. Linking Program Evaluation and Program Development
4.1 Evaluation as a Part of Development
Program evaluation should be an integral part of program development. This would ensure that
the researcher is aware of all the aspects of the community and the targeted population. If the
investigator takes reports of the individuals who need help, he should be aware of the original
design of the program.
There is uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the program before it is implemented. The
programs need to be altered according to the needs of the community members. There should not
be rigidity in terms of accepting a design. Therefore, program evaluation ensures that there are
records for future research. Therefore, the investigator should evaluate the various aspects of the
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
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program design, alter the necessary methods and continue with
the evaluation even after the implementation of the design.
(Figure 11)
The background data about the target population should be attained and the hypotheses should be
formulated on the basis of the theory so attained. The measurement scales and instruments are
then formed according to the needs of the population.
Therefore, program evaluation involves personnel who are aware of other disciplines as well.
This evaluation helps in the development of the programs. Even during the course of program
implementation, the evaluation continues.
5. Summary
Community programs are developed to help the community members deal with the
adversities of life by providing them with healthcare services and educational and other
facilities.
There are institutions which provide mental health services for problems like alcohol
abuse and drug addiction by being a part of the community.
Programs are developed for this purpose. However, effective evaluation of the
population, various aspects of it and the history of the efficiency of the measurement
tools is required.
This evaluation helps in forming a formal design of the program.
Therefore, it can be concluded that evaluation leads to program formation and
development as well as its continued effectiveness.
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER No.16: Community Psychology
MODULE No.40: Linking Program Evaluation to Program
Development