If exit programs in the field of Islamist extremism are to be evaluated, a variety of challenges must be overcome. The complexity of the subject matter, multifaceted expectations, data access and collection methods, but also the methodology must be considered and the transfer of results into practice must be planned right from the start. The authors of the joint PrEval project describe these definitional, methodological and process-related challenges on the basis of the evaluation preparation of the Islamism Exit Program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Aussteigerprogramm Islamismus, API). In their new PRIF Report, they also illustrate the possibilities for meeting them. In doing so, they provide a possible answer to the question of how impact-oriented evaluations in tertiary extremism prevention can be initiated and what needs to be considered in the process. The report is based on a close collaboration between the Islamism Exit Program (API), located at the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, and the PrEval research network.
Although it describes an individual approach for the API, many of the experiences are transferable to evaluation projects in comparable programs – and in other phenomena fields of extremism. By systematically reflecting on the preparation of an impact-oriented evaluation design, the authors offer guidance for those commissioning evaluations, evaluators, evaluated projects and programs, as well as funding agencies.
Further information on the project “PrEval – Evaluation Designs for Prevention Measures” at preval.hsfk.de (in German).