An educational film was shown to graduate students assigned randomly to no review or positive, negative, neutral, or mixed review conditions. Some were given reviews only; others were given reviews prior or subsequent to seeing the film. Information affected ratings; familiarity moderated these affects. Timing alone had no effects. (Author/GK)

This document, one of a series of reports examining the possible contribution of other disciplines to evaluation methodology, describes the major elements of general systems theory (GST), cybernetics theory (CT) and management control theory (MCT). The author suggests that MCT encapsulates major concerns of evaluation since it reveals that…

For purposes of categorizing those things that perhaps determine the extent to which evaluation findings will be utilized, four sets of factors are considered in this paper: (1) the decision maker/decision process, (2) the program and social context, (3) the nature of the evaluator , and (4) the evaluation process/evaluation report. (Author/RC)

Evaluation as a process of obtaining and providing useful information for making educational decisions is discussed with reference to the concepts expressed in "The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation." The need for the evaluator to know the approaches, interests, and values of the decision maker is discussed. (CTM)

Draws attention to an existing methodology for handling decision-making in a typical planning situation of interrelated alternatives and data deficiency, and describes several important extensions that have recently been made to it. (Oriel Press Limited, 32 Ridley Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8LH, Great Britain, $7.00 yearly.) (Author)

Effective action in educational development is dependent upon an adequate consideration of requisite variety. An adequate consideration of requisite variety includes a delineation of the information field appropriate for the decisionmaking system. An interaction of the information domain with each state of development, state-set, and whole would…

Argues that the mere presentation of evaluative data is hardly apt to improve decisionmaking. Suggests that, to meet the needs of different decisionmakers, methods of information presentation be developed to assure that the right person get the proper information, at the proper time, and in the proper format. (Author/JF)

Suggestions for broadening the utilization of evaluation research findings are discussed. Major program changes, based on evaluation, may not become obvious for several years; program actions may contradict findings and still be based on rational decision making processes; evaluation findings may have far-reaching effects which were not recognized…

An evaluator-manager interaction model is developed for predicting the impact of evaluation and research findings. Instruments are developed for measuring the variables of interpersonal involvement, impact of evaluation, and managerial style in the relationship between evaluator and manager. The hypothesis advanced suggests that evaluators can…

The decision making process of 16 superintendents in choosing among alternative instructional programs for special education students was studied. The additive and linear additive composition models were investigated for consistency with the decision process of the superintendents. Although the results support the existence of both models, the…

Cost analysis is not solely the concern of the technically proficient analyst. Determining what uses are appropriate for cost information is a broad policy issue in which academic administrators, department chairmen, and faculty have a tangible interest and should have at least a conceptual grasp of this subject. It is particularly important to…

Delphi is a method for obtaining group judgments on factual matters for which precise information may not be available, and on values for which information is a matter of opinion. This paper discusses different applications of the Delphi method to educational planning and attempts to evaluate its potential in resolving the particular needs of the…

The impact of professional jargon and data-based statements in evaluation reports on audience responses to an evaluation report and an evaluator's recommendations was examined. Subjects read one of four evaluation reports about testing and grading procedures in a school program. The reports varied in the amount of jargon and data used to justify…

A basis is provided for judging the adequacy of evaluation plans or evaluation designs in this document. It is assumed that using the procedures suggested to determine the adequacy of evaluation designs in advance of actually conducting evaluations will lead to better evaluation designs, better evaluations, and more useful evaluative information.…

This general exposition of information consolidation and primer on information consolidation processes defines information consolidation; discusses the concept's evolution; summarizes its objectives, audiences, value, and benefits; discusses information consolidation processes including selection, evaluation, analysis, synthesis, restructuring,…