What is the primary difference between internal and external evaluations?

The primary difference between internal and external evaluations lies in who conducts the evaluation. Internal evaluations are conducted by individuals within the organization, such as program staff or management, who have a vested interest in the program's performance and outcomes. These evaluators are often familiar with the program's context, goals, and operations, which can influence their approach and findings.

Conducting internal evaluations allows for continuous improvement, as program staff can use insights to make immediate adjustments or enhancements. They may also create a more conducive environment for dialogue and understanding about the program.

In contrast, external evaluations are performed by independent individuals or organizations not affiliated with the program. This distance can offer an objective perspective, potentially leading to more unbiased findings. However, the focus of this question is on internal evaluations, which are defined not only by who conducts them but also by characteristics, approaches, and implications for program improvement.

Other options present characteristics of evaluations but do not capture this fundamental distinction clearly. For instance, while internal evaluations may sometimes be quicker due to familiarity with the program, speed is not the defining characteristic of the evaluation type. Moreover, while internal evaluations can be less formal, this characteristic does not encapsulate the key difference regarding the relationship of the evaluator to the program.