This book is written for program administrators who want to become familiar with program evaluation methods. Outcome-based evaluation is defined as a form of program evaluation that uses objective person-referenced outcomes (measuring the functional level and social roles of program clients) to analyze effectiveness, impact, or costs and benefits.…

Summarizes the results from four major studies under the Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) evaluation project and uses the diffusion of innovations theory as a theoretical framework to understand substance abuse treatment providers awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding TIPs. (SLD)

Introduces the special section that focuses on four major studies under the treatment improvement protocols (TIPs) evaluation project. Provides an overview of each article, and addresses the value of using a theory-driven approach to dissemination research. (SLD)

Suggests that there is a tendency in social science and program evaluation to adhere to some methodological practices by force of custom rather than because of their reasoned applicability. These ideas include regression artifacts, random measurement error, and change or gain scores. (Author/SLD)

Agrees with L. Mohr that researchers are too quick to assume that measurement error is random, but disagrees that the idea of regression toward the mean has been a distraction and the notion that change scores analysis should be avoided in favor of regression analysis. (SLD)

Responds to C. S. Reichardt's discussion of regression artifacts, random measurement error, and change scores. Emphasizes that attention to regression artifacts in program evaluation is almost bound to be problematic and proposes some arguments in support of this position. (SLD)

This volume reflects the impact of postmodern critical thinking on models of human service practice. It demonstrates the values of practice informed by critical theory but does not present adequate empirical support for its effectiveness and Stringer's model is not illustrated through a case study. (SLD)

The three articles of this special section illustrate the complexity of HIV risk behaviors and demonstrate the need to go beyond simply assessing drug use and sexual behavior. They support a more comprehensive view of risk that challenges intervention design and current methodology. (SLD)

This book defines school-based evaluation, situates it within the larger field of evaluation, and gives enough information about the organizational challenges school-based evaluation presents to allow highly-motivated educators to conduct evaluations. Principles, methods, and procedures are described, but technical details are generally not…