This review focuses on what the author terms a reconsideration of the working credentials of the randomly controlled trial (RCT) design, and includes a discussion of popularly accepted aspects as well as some new perspectives. The author concludes that there is nothing either Imperative or superior about the need for RCT designs, and that an…

The formative-summative distinction in evaluation is defended as a reasonable way to classify evaluation activities. Context ultimately defines the formative or summative functions of evaluation. The characteristics of an evaluator are defined, and points of agreement with the other contributors to the forum are noted. (SLD)

A model checklist conceptualizing the evaluation process is presented and discussed. It is quite general and is intended to apply to the evaluation of educational products, procedures and most outcomes. The Pathway Comparison Model consists of the following: (1) characterization--how generally or specifically to describe the "treatment"; (2)…

General remarks about the field of product evaluation are followed by comments on leading practitioners such as Consumers Union, road testers, and company product evaluators. The overall situation is one of seriously flawed evaluation methodology, although the best are very useful. (SLD)

Selected aspects of the problem of obtaining unbiased program or product evaluation are discussed. An evaluator who is a member of the project staff will have difficulty producing an evaluation which is credible and valid. Project monitors will also have a problem since they are often required to assume the conflicting roles of external evaluator…

This article on evaluation perspectives and procedures is divided into six sections. The first section briefly discusses qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation. In the second section there is an exploration of the utility and validity of a checklist that can be used to evaluate products, as an instrument for evaluating producers, for…