Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What is the primary aim of an impact evaluation?

1. Assess the appropriateness of the teaching

2. Determine the program's effects on the organization or the greater community

3. Measure whether the learners gained the intended knowledge

4. Evaluate whether the program achieved its stated goals

The correct answer is: Determine the program's effects on the organization or the greater community

The primary aim of an impact evaluation focuses on determining the program's effects on the organization or the greater community. This type of evaluation is designed to assess the broader implications and changes that result from the program. It seeks to understand how the program contributes to overall outcomes within the community or organization rather than just measuring immediate effects. An impact evaluation also considers long-term changes, promoting an understanding of the sustainability and effectiveness of the program in addressing the needs it intended to solve. By looking at these broader effects, it informs stakeholders about the relevance and success of the program in realizing its mission and creating significant shifts in practice, policy, or community well-being. While other aspects such as the appropriateness of teaching methods, learner knowledge gain, and whether stated goals were achieved are important metrics, they are more focused on program implementation and immediate educational outcomes rather than the overall impact on the environment in which the program operates.