This article describes how program outcomes can be assessed and used to determine Extension program effectiveness, using on evaluative study as an example. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which program participants changed their food handling or food preservation behaviors after attending Extension programs. Two hundred three telephone interviews with program participants were completed. Results indicated that programs were effective in increasing the adoption of safe food handling and safe food preserving behaviors. Evaluative data such as this is critical for Extension personnel, as they prepare accountability reports, funding requests, and program plans.
Laanen et al. (Sun,) studied this question.