The object can be a particular program, an initiative, a group of people, an individual, a project, product, and/or process. Evaluation takes place in most sectors of our society. Sectors that commonly employ evaluation include health and welfare, education, science, engineering, business, government, military, information technology, and transportation.

The investigation can include activities such as these: observing, surveying, interviewing, testing, experimenting, measuring, analyzing documents/products. When people or communities are the focal object, the investigation can include activities such as these:

• identifying appropriate individuals and communities
• involving the individuals and communities as collaborators in the evaluation
• consulting and negotiating about evaluation procedures with the appropriate individuals in a community
• creating a reciprocal relationship between the evaluator(s) and individuals and communities; giving back to the community
• incorporating relevant indigenous knowledge, learning, and processes into the evaluation
• ensuring privacy, integrity, and well-being of individuals and the community
• recognizing and appreciating the diversity of indigenous peoples who have different languages, cultures, histories, and perspectives; identifying differences within an indigenous group
• respecting and preserving intellectual and cultural property right