Approaches to and Results of Project Evaluation: Some Thoughts on Prevention Programs against Xenophobia

Abstract

Program development and program evaluation are systematic processes. Pedagogical as well as socio-pedagogical prevention projects should be based on scientific theories. The evaluation of the effectiveness of such programs requires a definition of program goals and of appropriate indicators of goal realization. A necessary precondition for an appropriate evaluation—both qualitative and quantitative—is the opportunity to compare the situation both before and after the implementation of the program. More complex research plans allow the control of important biasing influences. Beside effect evaluation, this paper also discusses process evaluation and formative evaluation. In order to make interventions most efficient it is recommended to differentiate between program financing, initial program evaluation and counseling, program implementation, and program evaluation, and to assign different institutional responsibilities for each task.