Tools for asking better evaluation questions

Source: USAID | Year: 2024

The purpose of this research is to systematically explore the common challenges of developing quality DRG PE questions and to develop guidance for USAID staff to maximize the utility of PE questions. EQs could be thought of as scarce and non-renewable resources; there are only so many questions that could conceivably be answered, and PEs are typically one-off activities. The EQ development process involves a diverse set of stakeholders with differing incentives and perspectives in a process that quickly runs into the challenge of resolving multiple, interrelated tensions. What that process looks like and how it plays out will play an outsized role in the quality of EQs.

This findings report is guided by three research questions:

1. What are common challenges or limitations in USAID DRG PE questions and what are their primary causes?

2. What are example questions and key elements of example questions that

   1. can be answered with relative confidence by evaluation teams and

   2. meet the decision-making needs of USAID staff and implementing partners?

3. How can monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) specialists help their colleagues translate their evaluative learning needs into questions that

   1. can be answered with relative confidence by evaluation teams and

   2. meet the decision-making needs of USAID staff and implementing partners?

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