Program Evaluation Glossary

"H"

Halo Effect: The halo effect refers to the tendency to rate a person's skills and talents in many areas based upon an evaluation of a single factor. It creates bias by an observer's tendency to rate, perhaps unintentionally, certain objects or persons in a manner that reflects what was anticipated.
Hawthorne Effect: When people know that they are being observed and someone is interested in them, their production increases. Researchers must be aware that the mere fact that they are making changes may cause changes in the behaviour of people. It is wise to ensure that your measuring does not affect the process you are trying to measure.
History Effect: This threat to internal validity refers to specific events, other than the program, which may have taken place during the course of study which may have produced the results.
Hypothesis: A specific statement regarding the relationship between two variables. In evaluation research, this typically involves a prediction that the program or treatment will cause a specified outcome. Hypotheses are confirmed or denied based on empirical analysis.