What does evaluation research primarily aim to achieve?

Evaluation research primarily aims to determine the effects of programs and policies. This type of research is focused on assessing the implementation, outcomes, and impacts of specific interventions or strategies to understand how effectively they achieve their intended goals. By systematically examining the results of programs, evaluation research provides critical information on what works, what doesn't, and under what circumstances.

Such assessments are crucial for decision-makers who need evidence-based results to allocate resources effectively, enhance program implementation, and justify funding. Evaluation research often employs various methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, to measure outcomes and make comparisons, thereby offering insight into the effectiveness of different strategies and interventions.

Other research types might address different priorities, such as identifying potential areas for future research or exploring theoretical frameworks, but the central focus of evaluation research is specifically directed towards gauging the real-world impacts of established programs and policies.