What are the limitations of using only one indicator for program evaluation?

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Relying solely on one indicator for program evaluation has several limitations. Here are some of them:
1. Limited perspective: Using only one indicator provides a limited perspective on program outcomes. It may fail to capture the complexity and multidimensionality of the program's impact. By relying on a single indicator, you may overlook important dimensions of the program's outcomes that could be crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.
2. Measurement bias and limitations: Depending on a single indicator introduces the risk of measurement bias or limitations inherent to that specific measure. The indicator may suffer from measurement errors, lack of validity or reliability, or insensitivity to certain aspects of the program's impact.
3. Incomplete picture: A single indicator may not adequately represent the range of outcomes or impacts that the program intends to achieve. Programs often have multiple goals, and using only one indicator may overlook other important dimensions of success. For example, focusing solely on academic performance may neglect social or emotional development outcomes. By using a single indicator, you may miss important aspects of the program's impact, resulting in an incomplete picture of its effectiveness.
4. Contextual limitations: A single indicator may not be sensitive to contextual factors that influence program outcomes. Different contexts may require different measures or indicators to capture the program's effects accurately. By relying on a single indicator, you may fail to account for contextual nuances, leading to a limited understanding of the program's effectiveness in different settings or populations.