New perspectives on evaluation methodology have been drawn from other disciplines such as law, casework and journalism. Empirical and conceptual tests to assess the practical utility of alternative perspectives of the evaluation process, and criteria for judging their adequacy are addressed. (Author/AEF)

An evaluation design is seen to ensure the presence of certain qualities in an evaluation; values and valued qualities permeate the evaluation design. Mechanisms for evaluations (in-process reviews, follow-up studies, etc.) are dealt with and familiarity with financial, managerial, and ethical procedures are stressed in the evaluation design. (CE)

A framework of contextual variables is described that comprises the context of investigation of any evaluation study. Examples from cross-cultural evaluation are used to illustrate the elements of this framework: (1) setting; (2) topic; and (3) design. The framework is useful for evaluation training and planning. (SLD)

Evaluation as a discipline requires knowledge based on: empirical evidence; public verification; and usefulness in various settings and contexts. Activities which aid in accumulating this knowledge include: compliance with federal requirements; critiques and secondary data analyses; impact and use studies; comparative field studies; and…

Ten evaluation models are examined in terms of their applicability to investigative, emergent design programs: Stake's portrayal, Wolf's adversary, Patton's utilization, Guba's investigative journalism, Scriven's goal-free, Scriven's modus operandi, Eisner's connoisseurial, Stufflebeam's CIPP, Tyler's objective based, and Levin's cost…

The extent to which the Joint Committee "Standards" for evaluation might be used to develop culturally relevant standards for use in other countries and how they might be modified for use in cross-cultural settings were explored using Malta and India as examples. Substantial modifications are probably necessary. (SLD)