Reviews a collection of 10 case descriptions of ethical problems in evaluation and 10 commentaries on them that appeared in the "American Journal of Evaluation" from 1998 to 2001. Explores the meaning of "ethical problems" and the relationship of ethics to best practices. (SLD)

This paper describes a comprehensive, constituent-based evaluation approach that can yield useful information for policymakers, program planners, and administrators. The four stages are specification of constituent network; exploration of significant incentives; design of an incentive system; and assessment of the system. (JOW)

A survey that is designed to identify journals that publish evaluation research is presented. Information is provided on general circulation, submission and rejection of manuscripts, types of research most frequently published, and emerging trends in evaluation research. A list of 80 journals responding to the survey is appended. (TJH)

The readability/usefulness of a new format for the final report of the Tri-State Adoption Project--involving Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas in a television promotion effort--were evaluated. How busy decision makers (two federal, seven state, and 17 regional program officers) can be informed of evaluation research outcomes is illustrated. (TJH)

A framework of general evaluation criteria for ensuring the comprehensiveness of program reviews and appropriate and fair comparison of children's programs is outlined. It has two components: (1) descriptive; and (2) evaluative. The framework was developed by researchers at the General Accounting Office for evaluation of federal programs. (TJH)

Addresses design and evaluation issues of community-based programs for families experiencing marital separation and divorce. Reviews and discusses general programmatic issues; presents specific community-based program, The Orientation for Divorcing Parents; details evaluation of this program; and discusses implications of this literature review…

Discusses specific models for program evaluation and applies them to nursing programs. Provides guidelines for model selection and implementation to enhance the success of evaluation. (JOW)

Provides a firsthand account of visitor studies done in the early 1970s to evaluate museum exhibits effectiveness in response to erroneous information reported in the "Curator" (volume 36, number 4). (MDH)

A mentoring evaluation method that is both a learning tool and a measurement tool involves (1) assessing performance in the roles of communicator, counselor, coach, advisor, broker, referral agent, and advocate; and (2) evaluating on a continuum the impact of mentoring discussions. (JOW)

After a brief review of previous studies of justifying claims in evaluation practice, an analysis is provided using the jurisprudence metaphor of S. Toulmin (1958) in the assessment of evaluative arguments. Applications and implications for evaluation practice are discussed. (SLD)

Evaluation can help turn training into a powerful force that is of value to an organization. It should be based on what the organization values; its impact should not be limited to return on investment, and causal chains should be used to measure impact. (Author/JOW)

Describes the tasks undertaken in the cycle of evaluation of housing programs by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation prior to 1997 and analyzes the major evaluation projects in terms of the similarity of constituent tasks. Introduces combinatorial methods and new research applications. (SLD)

Examined six published papers using a theory-based evaluation (TBE) approach. Found that authors of the papers did not always make explicit the relation of their data to the theory of the program. Identified some ways in which TBE contributed to the merit of the evaluation. Outlines lessons for the future of TBE. (SLD)

Provides strategies for constructing theories of theory-based evaluation and provides examples in the field of public health. Techniques are designed to systematize and bring objectivity to the process of theory construction. Also introduces a framework of program theory. (SLD)

The Women's Financial Information Program uses speakers' workbooks and small group activities to foster money management skills. Pre/posttests with 576 participants found the practices adopted were predicted by age, workbook exercises completed, and perception of financial competence. (SK)