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

The correct answer is qualitative research methods, as these are specifically designed to assess and interpret values, beliefs, and behaviors within a program. Qualitative research focuses on understanding the underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations behind a program's performance, which is crucial when evaluating alignment with established values. This method often involves techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys, allowing researchers to gather rich, detailed insights into participants' experiences and perceptions.

Qualitative methods are particularly effective for exploring complex issues where understanding context is vital, allowing evaluators to discern how well a program aligns with targeted values. This can include assessing participants' satisfaction, program relevance, and cultural appropriateness.

In contrast, quantitative research primarily deals with numerical data and statistical analysis, often used to measure outcomes and performance metrics, but it may not provide insights into the qualitative aspects of value assessment. Experimental research typically evaluates cause-and-effect relationships under controlled conditions, which may not focus on value alignment. Comparative research examines differences and similarities between two or more groups or programs but does so mainly from a quantitative or contextual perspective, rather than exploring values in depth.