Definitions of and approaches to naturalistic evaluation are discussed. The qualitative aspects of the discipline are reviewed; and use of naturalistic evaluation in descriptions, illustrations, explications, hypothesis testing, and assessment of public spending are defined. A new paradigm for naturalistic evaluation is proposed. (TJH)

The metaphysical assumptions undergirding conventional (positivist) approaches to research in the social sciences provide a warrant both for deceptive research and for objectifying human research participants. The present status of ethical guidelines for inquiry are reviewed. Special ethical problems typical of naturalistic inquiry are outlined.…

Evaluation is viewed as essential to decision making and social policy development. Since conventional methods have been disappointing or inadequate, naturalistic inquiry (N/I) differs from conventional science in minimizing constraints on antecedent conditions (controls) and on output (dependent variables). N/I is phenomenological rather than…