What type of research methods is used to determine whether the program meets established values?

The use of qualitative research methods is appropriate for determining whether a program meets established values because these methods focus on understanding the underlying reasons and motivations behind participants' experiences and perspectives. Qualitative research often involves collecting data through interviews, focus groups, or open-ended questionnaires, allowing for in-depth insights into how individuals perceive the program in relation to the values it aims to uphold.

This approach is particularly effective for exploring areas that are subjective and nuanced, such as feelings, beliefs, and attitudes, which are intrinsic to the evaluation of values. Evaluating a program’s adherence to established values requires a deep understanding of stakeholders' viewpoints that may not be easily quantifiable.

While quantitative methods provide numerical data that can illustrate trends and patterns, they may not capture the richness of experiences and values. Descriptive methods can summarize characteristics of the program but may lack the depth necessary for value assessment. Comparisons between different programs or groups can be insightful but do not necessarily reveal how well a specific program aligns with its core values. Therefore, qualitative research stands out as the most suitable method for this type of evaluation.