Ethical Issues in Program Evaluation
Krystal Toliver
University of Phoenix
Program Development and Evaluation CJA/595
Larry Richardson EdD/ABD
May 12, 2008
Ethical Issues in Program Evaluation
It is the responsibility of the program evaluator to provide clear, useful, and accurate information to stakeholders. There are times when the evaluator is faced with several ethical dilemmas that can hinder this from happening. Ethics is involved in all stages of program evaluation, from the initial planning to presentation of findings. Ethical issues can be divided into five categories: treating people ethically, recognizing role conflicts, using valid methods, serving the needs of possible users of the evaluation, and avoiding negative side effects of evaluations (Posavoc & Carey, 2003). This paper will discuss the ethical issues that a program evaluator may face.
Treating People Ethically
First, the program evaluator has the responsibility of protecting participants from harm. Even though a program many be created to help a person it may be found not to have an impact or possibly a negative impact on the participant. In addition, if the program evaluator evaluates a program that differs from accepted practices and the program fails, the evaluator needs to be sure that the participants receive additional services so that the failed program will not harm them (Posavoc & Carey, 2003). Treating people ethically also includes obtaining informed consent and protecting the participant’s confidentiality.
Informed Consent
Informed consent involves allowing the participants to make an informed decision as to whether or not to participate in the program. The participants are provided with enough information about the program in order to weigh their options. If the participant has not been provided with accurate information about the program along with the potential risks, then informed consent cannot be obtained. It is also important that informed consent...