Program Evaluation Theory and Practice

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice
Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 642
Release: 2012-02-20
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1462503241

This engaging text takes an evenhanded approach to major theoretical paradigms in evaluation and builds a bridge from them to evaluation practice. Featuring helpful checklists, procedural steps, provocative questions that invite readers to explore their own theoretical assumptions, and practical exercises, the book provides concrete guidance for conducting large- and small-scale evaluations. Numerous sample studies—many with reflective commentary from the evaluators—reveal the process through which an evaluator incorporates a paradigm into an actual research project. The book shows how theory informs methodological choices (the specifics of planning, implementing, and using evaluations). It offers balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Useful pedagogical features include: *Examples of large- and small-scale evaluations from multiple disciplines. *Beginning-of-chapter reflection questions that set the stage for the material covered. *"Extending your thinking" questions and practical activities that help readers apply particular theoretical paradigms in their own evaluation projects. *Relevant Web links, including pathways to more details about sampling, data collection, and analysis. *Boxes offering a closer look at key evaluation concepts and additional studies. *Checklists for readers to determine if they have followed recommended practice. *A companion website with resources for further learning.

Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications

Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications
Author: Daniel L. Stufflebeam
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 800
Release: 2014-10-13
Genre: Education
ISBN: 111807405X

The golden standard evaluation reference text Now in its second edition, Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications is the vital text on evaluation models, perfect for classroom use as a textbook, and as a professional evaluation reference. The book begins with an overview of the evaluation field and program evaluation standards, and proceeds to cover the most widely used evaluation approaches. With new evaluation designs and the inclusion of the latest literature from the field, this Second Edition is an essential update for professionals and students who want to stay current. Understanding and choosing evaluation approaches is critical to many professions, and Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications, Second Edition is the benchmark evaluation guide. Authors Daniel L. Stufflebeam and Chris L. S. Coryn, widely considered experts in the evaluation field, introduce and describe 23 program evaluation approaches, including, new to this edition, transformative evaluation, participatory evaluation, consumer feedback, and meta-analysis. Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications, Second Edition facilitates the process of planning, conducting, and assessing program evaluations. The highlighted evaluation approaches include: Experimental and quasi-experimental design evaluations Daniel L. Stufflebeam's CIPP Model Michael Scriven's Consumer-Oriented Evaluation Michael Patton's Utilization-Focused Evaluation Robert Stake's Responsive/Stakeholder-Centered Evaluation Case Study Evaluation Key readings listed at the end of each chapter direct readers to the most important references for each topic. Learning objectives, review questions, student exercises, and instructor support materials complete the collection of tools. Choosing from evaluation approaches can be an overwhelming process, but Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications, Second Edition updates the core evaluation concepts with the latest research, making this complex field accessible in just one book.

Purposeful Program Theory

Purposeful Program Theory
Author: Sue C. Funnell
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 576
Release: 2011-02-09
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0470939893

Between good intentions and great results lies a program theory not just a list of tasks but a vision of what needs to happen, and how. Now widely used in government and not-for-profit organizations, program theory provides a coherent picture of how change occurs and how to improve performance. Purposeful Program Theory shows how to develop, represent, and use program theory thoughtfully and strategically to suit your particular situation, drawing on the fifty-year history of program theory and the authors' experiences over more than twenty-five years. "From needs assessment to intervention design, from implementation to outcomes evaluation, from policy formulation to policy execution and evaluation, program theory is paramount. But until now no book has examined these multiple uses of program theory in a comprehensive, understandable, and integrated way. This promises to be a breakthrough book, valuable to practitioners, program designers, evaluators, policy analysts, funders, and scholars who care about understanding why an intervention works or doesn't work." Michael Quinn Patton, author, Utilization-Focused Evaluation "Finally, the definitive guide to evaluation using program theory! Far from the narrow 'one true way' approaches to program theory, this book provides numerous practical options for applying program theory to fulfill different purposes and constraints, and guides the reader through the sound critical thinking required to select from among the options. The tour de force of the history and use of program theory is a truly global view, with examples from around the world and across the full range of content domains. A must-have for any serious evaluator." E. Jane Davidson, PhD, Real Evaluation Ltd. Companion Web site: josseybass.com/go/funnellrogers

Practical Program Evaluation

Practical Program Evaluation
Author: Huey-tsyh Chen
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 308
Release: 2005
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780761902331

Concentrates on the steps vital to program evaluation, including systematically identifying stakeholder needs, selecting evaluation options best suited to particular needs, and turning decisions into action.

Evaluation Models

Evaluation Models
Author: D.L. Stufflebeam
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 500
Release: 2005-12-19
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0306475596

This is an up-to-date revision of the classic text first published in 1983. It includes a historical perspective on the growth of evaluation theory and practice and two comparative analyses of the various alternative perspectives on evaluation. It also includes articles representing the major schools of thought about evaluation written by the leaders who have developed these schools and models. The final section describes and discusses the Standards for Program Evaluation and the reformation of program evaluation.

Practical Program Evaluation

Practical Program Evaluation
Author: Huey T. Chen
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 465
Release: 2014-10-06
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1412992303

Introducing students to the real world of evaluation and focusing on issues that arise in professional practice, this book shows readers how to systematically identify stakeholders' needs in order to select the evaluation options best suited to meet those needs.

Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation

Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation
Author: Joy A. Frechtling
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2007-03-09
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0787981966

Written for students, researchers, consultants, professionals, and scholars, Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation provides a step-by-step explanation of logic modeling and its importance in connecting theory with implementation and outcomes in program evaluation in the social sciences. Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation’s comprehensive approach: · Shows how the logic model can be used to clarify assumptions, reach group consensus, and bridge between various disciplines; · Identifies the specific components of logic modeling and discusses inputs, activities, outputs, short and long-term outcomes, contextual factors, and optional components and variations; · Focuses on the critical role of consensus in the development of a logic model, including factors such as teaming, timing, and collaborative learning; · Explores issues such as the most common mistakes in the development and implementation of logic models and the use of logic models in projects with different levels of complexity or different durations; · Discusses how the logic model can be used to identify the range of outcomes to be examined and how summative questions can be prioritized; · Includes a variety of illustrative case studies of simple, multi-year, and complex projects and demonstrates the use of the logic model to establish project goals and evaluate the project’s outcome.

Evaluation Roots

Evaluation Roots
Author: Marvin C. Alkin
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 441
Release: 2004-02-19
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0761928944

Initially, evaluation was derived from social science research methodology and accountability concerns. This book examines evaluation theories and traces their evolution with the point of view that theories build upon theories and, therefore, evaluation theories are related to each other.