What are outcome indicators?

Outcome indicators are specific and measurable factors that signify whether a program has achieved its objectives. They are essential in program evaluation as they provide concrete evidence of the changes or results that have occurred as a result of an intervention. By using outcome indicators, evaluators can effectively track progress, assess the effectiveness of a program, and make informed decisions on future improvements.

These indicators allow stakeholders to gauge the direct impact of a program on the target population. For instance, in a health program, outcome indicators might include the reduction in disease incidence or improvements in health-related quality of life that can be quantified and analyzed over time.

In contrast, the other options do not effectively capture the essence of outcome indicators. Qualitative descriptions relate more to exploratory or subjective evaluations rather than measurable outcomes. Technical assessments focus on logistics and operational aspects rather than the impact of the program itself. Generalized expressions of participant satisfaction may provide useful feedback but lack the specificity and measurability required to evaluate actual outcomes. Hence, the definition capturing specific, measurable indicators best reflects what outcome indicators are in the context of program evaluation.