Assignment #2                 

The information from the sample provided by Jay Wilson was a participant oriented evaluation approach that is responsive to the local needs of First Nations Women. The question being researched is whether or not regular exercise or physical activity during childbearing years decreases the rate of Type 2 Diabetes in future generations of First Nations women.

 I had difficulty deciding which approach would be best suited for this longitudinal study: I decided to use a combined model approach.  I chose a qualitative approach to analyzing the usefulness of prenatal exercise programs with First Nations women that comes from Lincoln and Guba’s Naturalistic Model (p. 141) and combined it with Stake’s Responsive Model (Fitzpatrick, Sanders & Worthen, 2004, p. 135). The reasons for my choices are stated below.

The Naturalistic model is, in its essence, is qualitative.  This particular paper opens itself up to qualitative in that it has flexible data collection, involves social interactions as well as a negotiation that exists between the stakeholders; it expresses the ethnography of the participants as a useful source of information, and it is geared towards a certain group of people, in this case, First Nation’s women.

I chose Stake’s Responsive Model because of it’s orientation towards program activities and engagement in monitoring the utilization of behaviors related to health. Both qualitative and quantitative information can be used. The information garnered from working alongside the participants, organizing the activities and improving communication with stakeholders is a vital part of this evaluation. Besides the National Health Research and Development Program, onsite program personnel, health care providers, outreach groups, campaign organizers, the Aboriginal Community Including an elder), Project Facilitator,  and the YMCA were all invested in the program.

 The Responsive Model uses whatever data is appropriate, in this case, longitudinal studies, and comparisons on the types of diabetes, stats on high risk populations, surveys, as well as anecdotal notes. Stake’s Responsive model utilizes both anecdotal notes and formal evaluation measures, which I feel provide a clearer picture to make a judgment on the program’s success or failure.  The goal is to provide a summative evaluation that will provide information “…to serve decisions or assist in making judgments” (Fitzpatric et al, 2004, p. 17). Ultimately, the goal of the Responsive model is to improve programming. In this case, the results would indicate whether or not the program is meeting the needs of First Nations women and their future generations which would indicate whether or not regular physical exercise has an impact on decreasing Type 2 Diabetes in First Nations women.

Reference

Fitzpatrick, Jody L, Sanders, James R., & Worthen, Blaine R. (2004). Program Evaluation; Alternative

     Approaches and Practical Guidelines. Boston, USA; Pearson Allyn & Bacon Publishing.