This introduction to a special section on evaluation utilization decribes the charge presented to the commissioned authors: to clarify what is meant by evaluation utilization. The resulting papers are described as presenting a clear rejection of the term utilization and as providing substantial assistance in distinguishing between utilization and…

The concepts and tools of change process research are applied to the study of evaluation utilization. In defining utilization as an innovation, evaluation use is described as a process which must be assessed at both the individual and organizational level and across time and evaluation studies. (Author/LC)

A definition of evaluation use incorporates four major types of use: (1) allocative, direct use; (2) conceptual enlightenment; (3) impact on organizational policies and practice; and (4) contribution to the management of the organization. Implications for research studies that incorporate this definition of use are presented. (Author/LC)

The author discusses several dimensions of evaluation utilization in educational settings as a step toward clarifying the meaning of the term. Definitions of evaluation and utilization are offered, distinctions are made between use and utilization, and the processes necessary for determining if an evaluation use is a true utilization are outlined.…

Evaluation utilization/use is discussed with the concept of user rationality (including examples where the rational use of evaluation results may be unclear or may be nonuse). A current project focuses on studying the process of evaluation information use and on validating a theory of use. (Author/LC)