I am a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, where I am a CIHR Doctoral Scholar. My research explores ways to integrate equity and climate change into all evaluations, regardless of the type of program. In doing so, I hope evaluations can better support program decision-making that leads to equitable and environmentally sustainable outcomes.
I also work as a consultant for various non-profit organizations in Canada and internationally. I bring skills in program evaluation, applied research, and knowledge synthesis, especially in the areas of public health, food security, and climate change. I hold the Credential Evaluator designation from the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Steven Lam
PhD candidate University of GuelphHi all,
This discussion reminds me of debates within qualitative vs quantitative research. Qualitative research assumes that the position of the researcher – as the primary research instrument – impacts all aspects of the research. Quantitative research is perceived to be neutral/impartial, despite the fact that the researcher gets to pick the questions to ask, who to ask, where to look, and so on.
Rather than striving for principles that do not really exist in evaluation, I think it is more fruitful to be aware of how the identities, experiences, and interests of evaluators and clients are intertwined in the evaluation. When designing the evaluation, ask: Whose interests does the evaluation serve? Who are we (not) asking? In what ways do we influence the evaluation process? Will the data be convincing? This awareness could lead to planning that results in stronger, more credible evaluations.