How do norms and expectations contribute to the evaluation process?

Norms and expectations play a crucial role in the evaluation process by providing clear guidelines on the desired outcomes and benchmarks that individuals or organizations aim to achieve. This framework establishes a standard that can be consistently applied when assessing performance, enabling evaluators to measure results against established criteria.

When norms are defined, they help all stakeholders understand what is expected, which facilitates a more objective evaluation process. This shared understanding reduces ambiguity and allows for fair comparisons across different participants or groups. By focusing on measurable objectives, evaluators can develop meaningful performance metrics that reflect those expectations and norms, ultimately leading to more effective assessments and improved program outcomes.

As for the other options, subjective opinions can lead to inconsistency in evaluations, while variability in judgments can obscure the assessment process rather than clarify it. Complicated assessment techniques may hinder the ability to accurately gauge performance against the established norms. Therefore, the identification of desired outcomes and benchmarks is essential for unbiased and standardized evaluation.