Program Self-Assessment Variables as a Source of Information in the
Evaluation of Intervention Programs: A Theoretical and Methodological
Framework
Abstract
The article discusses the incorporation of individuals’ assessments
regarding the effect of intervention program on their own outcomes as a
source of information in commonly used program evaluation methods. The
incorporation of Program Self-Assessment Variables (PSAV)
into the evaluation process enables the researcher to utilize the
information contained in PSAV while utilizing other available
sources of information (e.g. administrative data) as well. The analysis
is based on the assumption that individuals possess valuable and unique
information which they employ before self-selection into a program. The
theory of planned behavior is used as a framework for examining
different aspects of integrating PSAV in program evaluation. The
article elaborates on the integration of PSAV into the matching
method, and on the possible advantages of that approach. In addition,
the article discusses different aspects of the process of eliciting
self-assessments from individuals. Finally, the article outlines
possible directions for future research.