F

Feasibility Study
A study of the applicability or practicability of a proposed action or plan.

Field Notes
A written record of observations, interactions, conversations, situational details, and thoughts during the study period.

Flow Chart
A graphic presentation using symbols to show the step-by-step sequence of operations, activities, or procedures. Used in computer system analysis, activity analysis, and in general program sequence representations.

Focus Group
A group of 7 to 10 people convened for the purpose of obtaining perceptions or opinions, suggesting ideas, or recommending actions. A focus group is a method of collecting information for the evaluation process.

Focused Interview
An interview organized around several predetermined questions or topics but providing some flexibility in the sequencing of the questions and without a predetermined set of response categories or specific data elements to be obtained.

Forced-Choice Question
A question that requires respondents to choose between available options. Options such as "other" or "none of the above" are not available alternatives.

Forecasting
Estimating the likelihood of an event taking place in the future, based on available data from the past.

Formative Evaluation A type of process evaluation of new programs or services that focus on collecting data on program operations so that needed changes or modifications can be made to the program in the early stages. Formative evaluations are used to provide feedback to staff about the program components that are working and those that need to be changed.

Frequency Distribution
A distribution of the count of cases corresponding to the attributes of an observed variable. FOR EXAMPLE, a frequency distribution of a class of 45 students may indicate that 25 were male and 20 were females.

Function
A group of related activities and/or projects for which an organizational unit is responsible. This is also the principal purpose a program is intended to serve.