Program evaluation is a crucial process that helps organizations assess the effectiveness of their initiatives and make informed decisions for improvement. However, like any undertaking, program evaluation can encounter several pitfalls that, if not addressed, can compromise its success. There are more than thirty pitfalls that can occur during an evaluation. In this article, I explore some of the common pitfalls I’ve come across in program evaluation and provide guidance on how to avoid them. One of the most critical aspects of a successful program evaluation is defining its scope accurately. Failure to do so can result in two common pitfalls: a scope that is too broad or one that is too narrow. When the scope is too broad, it can lead to unnecessary costs, extended timelines, and an overwhelming amount of data to collect and analyze. Conversely, a scope that is too narrow may result in superficial assessments, where boxes are checked off without a thorough examination of the program...