Evaluation is a specialized form of social research conducted either by one or more independent consultants, or by the staff of a programme. As such, it makes use of any social research methodologies (see Surveys) that enable the answer to a set of evaluation concerns or questions.
These questions will be established together with any limitations on methodology or other obligations in a Terms Of Reference or evaluation contract document.
When the terms of reference are established, the evaluation team is able to consider a range of Evaluation Design Options and, on the basis of the design, use a range of different Data Collection Options.
Because elections involve social policy and can be highly politicised, evaluators have to consider the related concepts of Legitimacy and Reliability.
Finally, evaluation design is significantly determined by the time available and the size of the budget (see Time and Cost of Evaluations).
