EVALUATION: DEFINITION, PURPOSE AND USES

Abstract

The document addressed the evaluation of public policies, their relevance and how to optimize their implementation to improve social programs. A methodology based on theories from authors such as Weiss and Cohen were used; qualitative and quantitative evaluation models were analyzed; it also included experimental and quasi-experimental techniques. Evaluation was defined as an activity aimed at making judgments based on specific criteria, with the objective of identifying achievements and areas of improvement in social programs. Additionally, the “implementation gap” is discussed and we analyze the impact of the evaluation on accountability and budget control. Impact evaluations favor experimental methods, but it was observed how qualitative methods, in combination, help to better understand the reasons behind the results. The study concludes that, although evaluation should contribute to decision-making, its success depends on an appropriate political context and a flexible approach that considers the realities of each program. It is emphasized that evaluation should not be used as an end, but as a strategic tool that allows optimizing policies and practices, recognizing the importance of adapting its approaches to the concrete and social situation of each intervention. Based on this analysis, it is proposed that policy evaluation, when used appropriately and thoughtfully, is a fundamental tool to promote transparency and effectiveness in government interventions, contributing to the exercise of citizen rights and the improvement of social well-being.