Methodology is a study of methods of scientific research. It deals with issues concerning the development of a given discipline through effective methods of establishing its cognitive value. Differences as to methodology between fields of science focus on the criteria for systematisation of the discovered interrelationships.
A specific system of criteria (standards) has been developed for evaluation studies. These criteria assist an evaluator in terms of indicating directions for inquiries as well as in terms of what is most important from the point of view of a programme’s essence, its objectives and outcomes. Each event may be subject to somewhat different assessment, depending on a criterion selected for the evaluation. Hence the selection of criteria should be made in close cooperation between the evaluator and the contracting party.
The catalogue of criteria (standards) for evaluation includes the following:
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relevance – allows to determine to what extent the objectives of a programme respond to the needs and priorities of a given sector or region,
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efficiency – allows to assess the level of cost-effectiveness of a given programme, that is the input/output ratio,
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effectiveness – allows to assess to what extent ,the objectives of a given undertaking that had been defined at the programming stage have been achieved,
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utility - allows to assess to what extent programme’s products, results and impact respond to the needs of its target group,
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sustainability – allows to assess to what extent it is probable that the positive changes achieved by the programme’s impact will last after the end of its implementation.
Methodology of evaluation studies is of particular importance at the stage of preparing the method for conducting the evaluation. It should be appropriate, considering evaluation questions. It is an important element of assessment of a bid submitted as part of a public procurement process. Selection of a methodology has major influence on the quality of analysis and on its results. Appropriately selected research instruments and techniques show understanding of the scope and specificity of the study on the part of potential contractor.
In socio-economic studies, and that includes evaluation studies, both primary and secondary data is used as well as quantitative and qualitative data. In order to ensure reliability of information gathered, to collect the most complete research material possible and to formulate conclusions that are correct from both logical and methodological point of view it is necessary to collate and compare data on an ongoing basis. Such approach is called triangulation.
It consists of three stages: a) gathering of available data, b) gathering of data from different groups of respondents (that potentially present different points of view), c) carrying out of the study and an analysis of data performed by the research team, i.e. by all its members (it enables mutual control as well as verification of analyses and conclusions).
Following are the most important source documents on the method for performing evaluation studies during the programming period 2007-2013:
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Guidelines on methodology for the cost benefit analysis. New programming period 2007-2013. Methodological working documents. EC Working Document No. 4
download document in Polish 
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