Are stratification statements permitted in evaluations?

Stratification statements can indeed be permitted in evaluations when they reflect the evaluator's knowledge. This means that if an evaluator has specific expertise or understanding of the data or context being evaluated, they can make stratification statements that enhance the evaluation’s depth and credibility. Such statements can provide insights into different subsets of data or populations, which can be crucial for thorough analyses.

The key factor in permitting these statements lies in the evaluator's ability to ground their assertions in their expertise, ensuring that the statements are informed rather than arbitrary. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the evaluation process, allowing evaluators to articulate distinctions that are meaningful and relevant to their analysis.

In contrast, other options suggest restrictions or outright prohibitions on the use of stratification statements, either without context or justification. Policies that limit or disallow stratification could potentially hinder nuanced understanding of data, which is essential in evaluations that seek to inform decisions. Therefore, the allowance for stratification based on evaluator knowledge supports a more refined and accurate assessment.