Research Vs evaluation

Various definitions of evaluation have been offered over the years. While
each definition takes a slightly different view of evaluation, they all share
important commonalities. First, evaluation is viewed as a systematic process.
It should not be conducted as an afterthought; rather, it is a planned and
purposeful activity. Second, evaluation involves collecting data regarding
questions or issues about society in general and organizations and programs
in particular. Third, evaluation is a process for enhancing knowledge and
decision making, whether the decisions are for improving or refining a
program, process, product, system, or organization or for determining whether

or not to continue or expand a program. And, in each of these decisions,
there is some aspect of judgment about the merit, worth, or value of the
evaluand (that which is being evaluated). Finally, the notion of evaluation
use is either implicit or explicit in most definitions. Ultimately, evaluation is
concerned with asking questions about issues that arise out of everyday
practice. It is a means for gaining better understanding of what we do and
the effects of our actions in the context of society and the work environment.
A distinguishing characteristic of evaluation is that, unlike traditional forms
of academic research, evaluation is grounded in the everyday realities of
organizations. Evaluations can be conducted of programs, processes, products,
systems, organizations, personnel, and policies.