Best 20 MCQs with Answers for Job Seekers in M&E
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is an essential part of any program or project, providing the necessary information to make informed decisions and ensure accountability for the resources invested. M&E involves the systematic collection and analysis of data to assess the performance and effectiveness of programs and to identify areas for improvement. It is a critical aspect of program management, helping to ensure that programs are implemented as planned and achieving the desired outcomes. In this article, we present 20 multiple choice questions with answers on key concepts and principles of M&E to help those interested in job opportunities in this field to assess their knowledge and readiness.
1. What is the purpose of M&E?
a) To collect and analyze data
b) To improve program effectiveness
c) To develop program budgets
d) To hire more staff
Answer: b) To improve program effectiveness
2. What are the four main components of an M&E system?
a) Data collection, analysis, reporting, and feedback
b) Planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
c) Needs assessment, program design, implementation, and reporting
d) Risk assessment, performance management, resource allocation, and quality control
Answer: a) Data collection, analysis, reporting, and feedback
3. What is the difference between monitoring and evaluation?
a) Monitoring is ongoing, while evaluation is conducted periodically
b) Monitoring is quantitative, while evaluation is qualitative
c) Monitoring is conducted by external evaluators, while evaluation is conducted by program staff
d) Monitoring and evaluation are the same thing
Answer: a) Monitoring is ongoing, while evaluation is conducted periodically
4. Which of the following is NOT a type of evaluation?
a) Impact evaluation
b) Process evaluation
c) Performance evaluation
d) Input evaluation
Answer: d) Input evaluation
5. What is the purpose of a logic model?
a) To identify program inputs
b) To develop program budgets
c) To describe program theory
d) To evaluate program outcomes
Answer: c) To describe program theory
6. What is the difference between formative and summative evaluation?
a) Formative evaluation is conducted during program planning, while summative evaluation is conducted after program implementation
b) Formative evaluation focuses on program outputs, while summative evaluation focuses on program outcomes
c) Formative evaluation is conducted by program staff, while summative evaluation is conducted by external evaluators
d) Formative evaluation is qualitative, while summative evaluation is quantitative
Answer: a) Formative evaluation is conducted during program planning, while summative evaluation is conducted after program implementation
7. Which of the following is a common data collection method in M&E?
a) Surveys
b) Budget analysis
c) Randomized controlled trials
d) Financial audits
Answer: a) Surveys
8. What is a baseline study?
a) An evaluation conducted at the end of a program
b) A study conducted before program implementation to collect initial data
c) A study conducted during program implementation to assess progress
d) A study conducted to compare different program models
Answer: b) A study conducted before program implementation to collect initial data
9. Which of the following is a key principle of ethical evaluation?
a) Respect for privacy
b) Publicity
c) Advocacy
d) Confidentiality
Answer: d) Confidentiality
10. Which of the following is a common tool for data analysis in M&E?
a) Cost-benefit analysis
b) Financial forecasting
c) Statistical software
d) Budget tracking
Answer: c) Statistical software
11. What is the purpose of a data quality assessment?
a) To identify data errors and gaps
b) To develop a program logic model
c) To determine program effectiveness
d) To collect baseline data
Answer: a) To identify data errors and gaps
12. Which of the following is a limitation of self-reported data?
a) It is more expensive than other data collection methods
b) It is less accurate than other data collection methods
c) It is not useful for program planning
d) It is difficult to analyze
Answer: b) It is less accurate than other data collection methods
13. What is the difference between a program output and a program outcome?
a) A program output is a tangible result of program activities, while a program outcome is a change or benefit resulting from program activities
b) A program output is a change or benefit resulting from program activities, while a program outcome is a tangible result of program activities
c) A program output and a program outcome are the same thing
d) A program output and a program outcome are both intangible results of program activities
Answer: a) A program output is a tangible result of program activities, while a program outcome is a change or benefit resulting from program activities
14. Which of the following is a common data visualization tool used in M&E?
a) Pie charts
b) Line graphs
c) Scatterplots
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
15. Which of the following is NOT a step in the M&E cycle?
a) Developing a program budget
b) Setting program objectives and goals
c) Collecting and analyzing data
d) Reporting and using results
Answer: a) Developing a program budget
16. What is the purpose of stakeholder engagement in M&E?
a) To ensure that stakeholders have a voice in program planning and implementation
b) To increase program costs
c) To avoid involving stakeholders in program planning and implementation
d) To avoid collecting data from stakeholders
Answer: a) To ensure that stakeholders have a voice in program planning and implementation
17. Which of the following is an example of a process indicator?
a) Number of beneficiaries served
b) Change in health status of beneficiaries
c) Number of program staff trained
d) Increase in program funding
Answer: c) Number of program staff trained
18. What is the difference between a qualitative and a quantitative evaluation?
a) Qualitative evaluations use numerical data, while quantitative evaluations use descriptive data
b) Qualitative evaluations focus on program outputs, while quantitative evaluations focus on program outcomes
c) Qualitative evaluations use subjective data, while quantitative evaluations use objective data
d) Qualitative evaluations are more expensive than quantitative evaluations
Answer: c) Qualitative evaluations use subjective data, while quantitative evaluations use objective data
19. Which of the following is a common challenge in M&E?
a) Lack of stakeholder engagement
b) Collecting too much data
c) Reporting too frequently
d) Using only one data collection method
Answer: a) Lack of stakeholder engagement
20. What is the purpose of a final evaluation?
a) To collect baseline data
b) To assess program implementation
c) To evaluate program outcomes and impacts
d) To develop a program budget
Answer: c) To evaluate program outcomes and impacts
