Program evaluation activities do not constitute research for the purposes of TCPS 2.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

In TCPS 2, research is defined as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Program evaluation, on the other hand, is typically conducted to assess a program’s effectiveness or quality with the aim of improving how the program operates within a specific setting. Because its primary purpose is internal improvement and decision-making for that particular program, it does not usually aim to produce knowledge that will be generalized beyond the program. Therefore, program evaluation activities generally do not constitute research for the purposes of TCPS 2. There is an important caveat: if the evaluation is intentionally designed to generate findings for generalizable knowledge or will be disseminated beyond the program (for example, through publication), it can be considered research and would fall under TCPS 2 ethics review.