What is the purpose of conducting a literature review in evaluation?

Conducting a literature review in evaluation serves the essential purpose of gathering existing knowledge and informing the design of the evaluation. By reviewing prior studies, theories, and empirical results, evaluators can gain insights into what methods have been used in similar contexts, the outcomes of those evaluations, and the theoretical frameworks that may apply. This knowledge helps in shaping the evaluation questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and anticipating potential challenges or variables to consider, ultimately leading to a more robust and informed evaluation process.

In contrast, establishing an evaluation budget focuses on financial aspects rather than the foundation of knowledge required for the evaluation. Selecting survey participants is a more operational task that follows after the evaluation design has been informed by a thorough literature review. Summarizing previous findings without application does not leverage the insights gained from the literature, which is necessary for creating a relevant and effective evaluation framework. Thus, the purpose of the literature review is fundamentally about integrating existing knowledge to enhance the evaluation's design and effectiveness.