The second article in this series on the history of evaluation use has three sections. The first and longest develops a functional definition of the term "use," noting that a thorough definition of evaluation use includes the initial stimulus (i.e., evaluation findings or process), the user, the way people use the information, the aspect…

The relationship between theory and practice, or between theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge, is not a simple one, and rarely is it the case that theory is "applied" to practice. This paper aims to clarify the relationship by briefly discussing the nature of practical problems and the role that theoretical knowledge plays in…

Since educational criticism aims to reeducate teachers' perception in order to improve or illuminate educational practices, the audience's role is particularly important. In many ways, the intended audience determines the evidence presented. The evaluator must write the criticism in language which is meaningful to the audience (for example…

Reviews issues and methods in the evaluation and assessment of families. Methods of categorizing and organizing family assessment information are presented. Discusses methodological issues. Reviews important family constructs identified through research for assessment. Evaluates various methods, self-reports, observations, and clinician ratings…

One of a series of booklets on disability research, this paper is intended as an introduction to the role of evaluation in the utilization process. Its purpose is to help disability researchers grasp the importance of incorporating a focus on assessing use into plans for disseminating research outcomes. The paper begins by examining basic…

This report discusses the purposes and nature of various forms of assessment that can be used to enhance, support, and monitor the progress of science learning in elementary school classrooms. Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction" (describing assessment priorities); (2) "Issues in Assessment" (discussing validity, correspondence between…

This book addresses two problems common to school library media specialists: the lack of time to conduct evaluations, and the lack of knowledge on how and what to evaluate in the school media center. The book contains research and evaluation techniques and studies that have been conducted in school library media centers. Many study results are…

Reviews assessment approaches used to evaluate child physical and sexual abuse offenders. Discusses interview and observational methods and problems. Reviews and critiques selected personality measures used to assess child abuse offenders. Reviews offender specific measures. Problems related to the lack of measure specificity and selectivity are…