What phrase describes outcomes that are easiest to evaluate?

• A. Specific, measurable
• B. General, qualitative
• C. Vague and subjective
• D. Indirect and inferred

Answer: (A)

Outcomes that are easiest to evaluate have two clear features: they are specific and measurable. Specific means the desired result is clearly defined, leaving little room for interpretation. For example, aiming for a target like “blood pressure under 130/80 and maintained for 3 months” is much clearer than simply saying “blood pressure control.” Measurable means you can quantify progress with data—numbers, rates, times, or other concrete metrics—so you can track progress, set benchmarks, and determine whether the goal was met. When outcomes are both specific and measurable, you can collect objective data, compare it to predefined targets, and evaluate success reliably.

General, qualitative outcomes depend on subjective judgments, which can vary between evaluators and are hard to quantify. Vague and subjective outcomes lack clear criteria to judge progress. Indirect and inferred outcomes aren’t measured directly, relying on assumptions rather than concrete evidence, making evaluation less certain.