This paper discusses two models that hold promise for helping evaluators understand and cope with different decision contexts: (1) the conflict Model (Janis and Mann, 1977) and the Social Process Model (Vroom and Yago, 1974). Implications and guidelines for using decisionmaking models in evaluation settings are presented. (BS)

Potential sources of bias are classified as ethical compromises, value inertias, or cognitive limitations. Thirteen specifics of intuitive thinking and judgmental processes are described. The author wishes to alert naturalistic evaluators to common failings. This list can be a useful checklist in reducing, integrating and drawing inferences from…

Meltsner classified evaluators as technicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, or pretenders, based upon differing expectations norms, training, and motivations. This role-perception study of evaluators in a large urban school district supported Meltsner, although few technicians or politicians emerged. (CP)

In the form of a play, a brief discussion is presented of program evaluation problems at the elementary/secondary education level. (PN)

This paper focuses on evaluation-related behaviors of school principals. The role of principals as clients of professional evaluation is examined. Research that views principals as evaluators is reported. Concepts drawn from the literature are used to explore ways of studying the rationality that principals employ to make decisions. (Author/JAZ)

A participatory model in evaluation is presented as an extension of the stakeholder-based model focusing on the increased participation of primary users. Twenty-six empirical studies that support an organizational learning justification of the model are reviewed and classified. Requirements for participatory evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

The lack of utilization of evaluation studies is criticized. It is suggested that program directors be asked to submit proposals to evaluators which will demonstrate that the directors are competent to utilize the information provided and to assess the quality of the evaluation. (JKS)

In a simulated adversary-advocacy evaluation of a computer-assisted school guidance program, the evaluation audience's reaction to different forms of data, the order of argument presentations, and the rated attitude of the evaluator are shown to influence audience agreement with evaluation recommendations. (CM)

This study consists of two parts: (1) a discussion of legal education, which uses the Socratic method of pedagogy and the study of case histories, and (2) an examination of aspects of legal education that might be used as a model for educating evaluators. (Author/JAZ)

Using examples from an evaluation design of a bilingual preschool program, the authors have developed a paradigm resting on contextually based evaluation and involving implementation strategies and participant researchers. Multiple methods of gathering environment-specific data are used in the process. (MH)

This is an introduction to a set of four papers in the field of evaluation research. A main theme in these papers is the recognition that evaluation research is not a pure objective scientific self-standing activity, but one that interacts within a context and is influenced by the interchanges. (LMO)

An interview with Michael Scriven describes his thoughts and contributions to educational evaluation, the evolution of his career, and his current concerns and projects. (MH)

The Judicial Evaluation Method (JEM) is useful for aiding decision-making bodies to formulate policies. Broad public participation in complex issues is provided by JEM. (The conceptualization, policy formulation stages, and participant roles are identified; and the model is applied in two case studies). (MH)

This paper assesses the status of evaluation as a profession and examines the consequences of not attending to the manner in which the discipline evolves. Special concerns are (1) what the profession seeks to accomplish; (2) ways in which it functions; and (3) who can be identified as "professionals." (LMO)

An evaluation research capability was used to document the design and implementation of two programs in a large urban school district. This paper describes the research context, the origins of the role of resident evaluator, the broad functions of this role, and factors contributing to the usefulness of this approach. (BW)