Are we measuring impact accurately? Identifying potential sources of bias in the evaluation of extension personnel and programs
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Agricultural extension programs must demonstrate their value to compete for limited government funding. As extension professionals measure the value of their programs, the risk exists that the information they report will provide a biased or an inaccurate measure of value. We examine the evaluation process for extension programs and extension personnel to identify potential sources of bias or inaccuracies. We find that bias and inaccuracy in program evaluation often stems from a focus on short‐term outcomes, rather than long‐term impacts, while bias in personnel evaluation can result from information asymmetries that exist between extension personnel and their evaluators.
DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13478
Authors: Andrew Wright, Jeffrey Wright, Dean McCorkle, Jeffrey Hyde
Institutions: Texas A&M University, Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,570
OpenAlex ID: W4403046040