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Evaluation Use: Theory, Research, and Practice Since 1986.
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Shulha, Lyn M.; Cousins, J. Bradley – Evaluation Practice, 1997
Literature on evaluation use since 1986 was reviewed. Developments in this period include the rise of considerations of context as critical to understanding use; identification of process use as a consequence of evaluation; expansions of conception of use from individual to organizational levels; and diversification of the evaluator's role. (SLD)
Descriptors: Context Effect, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Utilization, Evaluators
Improving Evaluation Theory through the Empirical Study of Evaluation Practice.
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Smith, Nick L. – Evaluation Practice, 1993
In spite of the scarcity of empirical studies of evaluation, such studies are critical to development of evaluation theory. Illustrative examples are given of studies of evaluation practice that operationalize theory. Although practitioners should continue public reflection, they must also focus on the independent and empirical study of…
Descriptors: Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Utilization, Program Evaluation, Qualitative Research
Functions of the Evaluation Proposal in Preordinate and Emergent Studies.
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Smith, Nick L. – Evaluation Practice, 1997
Proposals satisfy a number of functions in evaluation work. This article examines how these functions differ depending on whether the proposal concerns a preordinate study in which methods are prespecified or an emergent study in which decisions about methods are made as the study proceeds. (Author/SLD)
Descriptors: Decision Making, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Utilization, Formative Evaluation
Synthesizing Evidence and Practice.
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Cordray, David S. – Evaluation Practice, 1993
Reviews synthesis as an important task of evaluation, putting evidence together for a coherent assessment. Types of synthesis are described from the case of two variables to more complex situations, ending with metanalysis. Syntheses help identify common patterns and regularities and can help progress toward positive social change. (SLD)
Descriptors: Cognitive Processes, Evaluation Criteria, Evaluation Utilization, Intervention
An Invitation to Methodological Pluralism.
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Sechrest, Lee; And Others – Evaluation Practice, 1993
Continuing the interchange of ideas about evaluation methodology, the authors argue the advisability of using the entire array of methods to produce useful and persuasive findings. There is, ultimately, a truth to be sought, but no one approach has a monopoly on finding it. (SLD)
Descriptors: Decision Making, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Utilization, Naturalistic Observation
Unintended Effects of Program Evaluation.
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Welch, Wayne W.; Sternhagen, Fred – Evaluation Practice, 1991
Unintended effects of evaluation are discussed, with reference to the Hawthorne Effect, where unintended effects overshadow the manipulations controlled by researchers. Unintended effects are categorized as (1) affective reactions; (2) political dimensions; (3) importance of individual differences; and (4) expectations concerning evaluation.…
Descriptors: Affective Behavior, Educational Research, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Problems
An Optimistic View of Evaluation.
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Bickman, Leonard – Evaluation Practice, 1994
The author's optimistic view of evaluation in the future includes increased utilization, especially in the private sector; more professionalization, with potential for conflict; more academic program development; more use in policy; increase in the use of complex methods; and more involvement in program development. (SLD)
Descriptors: Conflict, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Problems, Evaluation Utilization
The Future of Controlled Randomized Experiments: A Briefing.
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Boruch, Robert F. – Evaluation Practice, 1994
Conjectures about the future use of controlled randomized experiments for planning and evaluating social programs suggest that they will frequently involve institutions and organizations rather than individuals and that their applications and the publicity surrounding them will increase as they are used in new and controversial ways. (SLD)
Descriptors: Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Problems, Evaluation Research, Evaluation Utilization
Three Trends in Evaluation Research.
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Berk, Richard A. – Evaluation Practice, 1994
Three trends that are projected for the future of evaluation are greater use of evaluation research in litigation; increasing integration of the social and natural sciences for certain kinds of evaluation research; and a move away from conventional statistics toward data analysis. (SLD)
Descriptors: Court Litigation, Data Analysis, Evaluation Methods, Evaluation Research