Which research type tests whether a program or intervention works?

Which research type tests whether a program or intervention works?

• A. Evaluation research
• B. Research question
• C. Experimental research
• D. Action research

Answer: (A)

Testing whether a program or intervention works is all about measuring its effectiveness and outcomes—whether it achieves its goals, for whom, and under what conditions. Evaluation research is specifically focused on these questions: it assesses the results, impact, and implementation of a program to determine its value and appropriateness for continued use or modification. While experimental research can be part of an evaluation by testing causal effects under controlled conditions, the broader field that centers on judging whether a program works is evaluation research. A research question is about identifying what you want to study, not about the method itself, and action research emphasizes practitioners improving their own practice through iterative cycles rather than formal program-wide effectiveness assessment.

Testing whether a program or intervention works is all about measuring its effectiveness and outcomes—whether it achieves its goals, for whom, and under what conditions. Evaluation research is specifically focused on these questions: it assesses the results, impact, and implementation of a program to determine its value and appropriateness for continued use or modification. While experimental research can be part of an evaluation by testing causal effects under controlled conditions, the broader field that centers on judging whether a program works is evaluation research. A research question is about identifying what you want to study, not about the method itself, and action research emphasizes practitioners improving their own practice through iterative cycles rather than formal program-wide effectiveness assessment.