title: Differentiating among research, evaluation and measures to assure quality.
abstract: This article explores the similarities, differences and overlaps among research, evaluation and quality measurement. Criteria for determining the differences are offered as a quick guide to differentiating among them. These criteria are the purpose of the project, generalizability, intended use of the findings, intended subjects and intent to prove causation. Determining the key differences among research, evaluation and quality measurement facilitates the choice of restrictions, supports and reporting process that should be applied to each.
authors.affiliation: QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jarvis
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design