Knowledge testing options in pre-test post-test evaluation design: Implications for Extension program evaluation

Knowledge gained is an important outcome indicator used in the evaluation of extension education programs. Three evaluation designs commonly used to document extension program participants’ knowledge change are: (a) objective knowledge pre-test, post-test design, (b) subjective knowledge pre-test, post-test design, and (c) subjective knowledge retrospective pre-test, post-test design. This study was designed to examine the relationship between measuring variables of objective knowledge pre-test, post-test, and subjective knowledge pre-test, post-test designs, and to examine the validity of subjective knowledge pre-test and post-test designs in assessing the knowledge gained by the Cook Smart Eat Smart extension participants. The researchers developed the survey instrument to document objective knowledge and subjective knowledge. The survey was administered before and after completing the training. The study received 71 responses. Paired sample t-test and correlation analysis were used to achieve research objectives. The findings indicate that all three designs are effective in documenting the changes in participants’ knowledge. Findings also verified the accuracy and validity of the subjective knowledge retrospective pre-test and post-test design. The evaluation of extension programs is strengthened by evidence demonstrating the validity of both objective and subjective measures for assessing knowledge gain, a key outcome indicator in extension education.