National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

In program design, what is a performance measure (PM) synonymous with?

1. Assessment item

2. Outcome statement

3. Enabling objective

4. Mission statement

The correct answer is: Outcome statement

In the context of program design, a performance measure is synonymous with an outcome statement because both concepts focus on the end results of a program. A performance measure is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a program in achieving its objectives. It articulates what success looks like and provides a means to assess whether the desired outcomes have been reached. Outcome statements specifically outline the anticipated results of a program, often addressing the impacts on participants and the changes that are expected to occur as a result of the program's implementation. Both performance measures and outcome statements emphasize the importance of tangible results and provide a framework for measuring success over time, ensuring that programs can demonstrate their effectiveness in achieving their goals. In contrast, an assessment item might focus on tools or methods used to gather data, enabling objectives are the specific steps that lead to achieving an outcome, and a mission statement broadly defines the overall purpose and direction of an organization or program. While these components are important in the context of program design, they serve different functions compared to performance measures and outcome statements.