Methods used in evaluating the clinical learning experiences of medical students in rural and university settings are investigated. A three-dimensional scheme for categorizing these different methods is described. (JKS)

A case study of the Arthritis Self-Care Project, a rural community intervention in Virginia, demonstrates the importance of process evaluation in determining the actual independent variable. Instances of reinvention uncovered by the study are explored, and suggestions are provided for dealing with the reinvention inevitable in field research. (TJH)

Process evaluation of the Partners for Prevention pilot project testing an office-based system involving 17 Denver (Colorado) physicians in an effort to increase cancer prevention indicates the value of the program philosophy as well as various deficiencies in its operation. New strategies suggested by the evaluation are being tested. (SLD)

Process and impact evaluations are compared, and a framework is provided to determine the nature and potential variability of the costs associated with each technical step of each type of evaluation. Recommendations to help in the choice of evaluation option are provided. (SLD)