Analysis vs Evaluation
The main distinction between analysis and evaluation is that evaluation is associated with testing, while analysis is a thorough examination of a subject matter. Evaluation is subjective, for example, judging dancing skills in a competition may depend on the judges’ opinions. On the other hand, analysis is objective and relies on independent measurement methods, such as the scientific method or observations. In this article, we will primarily focus on the occasions where evaluation and analysis are used and the methods each adheres to in order to achieve the results.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluation is a judgment of one’s ability or the quality of something, whereas analysis is the study of the structure or content of something to interpret it.
- The process of evaluation is subjective, while analysis is objective.
- Both evaluation and analysis can be used for further development of things, skills of people, and advancements of disciplines.
What is Evaluation?
Evaluation is more of a judgment of one’s ability or the quality of something than a search for new knowledge or further understanding of something based on facts or observations. Evaluations can be conducted to test one’s skills, such as language skills, talents, dancing, singing, or even the quality/standards of a good or service. Evaluation always involves a criterion, and various fields like education, commerce, healthcare, and human resource management use evaluations related to humans as well as productions or strategies. The primary objective of evaluation is to determine the existing level, quality, or standards of something or someone. The results can be used for further development of the same or in making decisions. For example, the quality of goods is tested by authorities before they are allowed to be sold in the market.
What is Analysis?
Analysis is the study of the structure, content of something, or data to interpret them. Analysis is also used to further explain a subject matter. The purpose of analysis is the “explanation of the nature and meaning of something.” Analysis of something is typically done as the first step in the process of problem-solving. For instance, the analysis of written errors of students in English Language Teaching is done to guide students effectively to recover from the errors. This is in contrast to evaluating students in an exam to decide or test their level of competency. Analysis plays a significant role in academic research, for example, analyzing data to arrive at conclusions. In an analysis of something, a well-planned comprehensive methodology is used, which helps to come up with scientifically arrived conclusions. Humanities, sociology, science, and medicine fields often analyze the structure and content of subject matters, and in the field of commerce, statistics are analyzed to recognize economic trends.
What is the difference between Analysis and Evaluation?
When comparing evaluation and analysis, it is evident that:
- Evaluation is the process of arriving at conclusions about one’s skills, talents, or the quality of a good or service, while analysis is an in-depth study of a discipline for better understanding of facts.
- The process of evaluation is subjective, while analysis is objective.
- Both evaluation and analysis can be used for further development of things, skills of people, and advancements of disciplines.
- Analysis is more significant in academic research compared to evaluation.
In conclusion, it is noticeable that evaluation is more judgmental when compared to analysis, which is more inquisitive for further knowledge.
