Establishing a Common Language: The Meaning of Research-Based and Evidence-Based Programming (in the Human Sciences)

This article describes the development, implementation, and exploratory evaluation of a professional development series that addressed educators\u27 knowledge and use of the terms research-based and evidence-based within Human Sciences Extension and Outreach at one university. Respondents to a follow-up survey were more likely to select correctly the commonly accepted standard for each term, and they reported asking more questions, talking with others, examining programs\u27 evidence bases, and placing more value on fidelity and evaluation following participation in the professional development series. Educator reactions to the series were generally positive, although researchers interested in designing like programs might consider engaging educators within the context of their preexisting knowledge levels