What is one of the common steps in evaluating a reform?

Evaluating a reform effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes a clear understanding of the reform instrument and its method of implementation. Describing the reform instrument entails detailing the policy or program changes being proposed or enacted, which is crucial for understanding the context and scope of the reform. Implementation involves looking at how these changes are put into practice, including the logistics, target population, and timelines.

This step is essential because the success of any reform is heavily dependent on its design and how well it is executed. By providing details about the reform and its implementation, evaluators can better analyze its effectiveness, identify potential challenges, and assess measurable outcomes. This thorough understanding supports evidence-based evaluations and informs future policy decisions.

Other approaches, such as assessing personal opinions of stakeholders or conducting blind control studies, can certainly be part of a broader evaluation strategy, but they don’t encompass the foundational steps necessary to thoroughly evaluate a reform. Anecdotal evidence, while potentially useful for illustrative purposes, lacks the robustness required for a comprehensive assessment and should not be the sole basis for evaluating a reform's effectiveness.