Subjective outcome and objective outcome evaluation findings : insights from a Chinese context

Abstract

Objective: As there are few studies examining the relationship between subjective and objective outcome evaluation findings, this study investigated the linkage between these two types of outcomes in the Chinese culture. Method: In an experimental study, 3,298 Chinese secondary school students responded to the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale assessing objective outcome (CPYDS) at pretest and posttest. They also responded to the Chinese Subjective Outcome Scale (CSOS) assessing subjective outcome at posttest. Results: The CSOS total and subscale scores were significantly correlated with posttest CPYDS scores and difference scores; they also predicted changes in CPYDS scores across time. Conclusions: The present findings demystify the common belief that findings based on the client satisfaction approach are unrelated to objective outcome evaluation findings.