goal-free evaluation

an evaluation of a program that is conducted without special knowledge of the program’s stated goals and objectives and is therefore less subject to the preconceptions or biases of the researcher. Instead, the evaluation attempts to assess the program’s actual effects on its clients and, importantly, any unintended negative side effects emerging from the program. Also called value-free evaluation. Compare goal-based evaluation. See also qualitative evaluation.

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Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

prodrug

n. a drug that is either biologically inert or of limited activity until metabolized to a more active derivative.