Description
Book SynopsisFoundations of Program Evaluation heralds a thorough exploration of the field of program evaluation--looking back on its origins. By summarizing, comparing, and contrasting the work of seven major theorists of program evaluation, this book provides an important perspective on the current state of evaluation theory and provides suggestions for ways of improving its practice. Beginning in Chapter Two, the authors develop a conceptual framework to analyze how successfully each theory meets the specific criteria of its framework. Each subsequent chapter is devoted to the presentation of the theoretical and practical advice of a significant theorist--Michael Scriven, Donald Campbell, Carol Weiss, Joseph Wholey, Robert Stake, Lee Cronbach, and Peter Rossi.
Table of ContentsPART ONE: INTRODUCTION Social Program Evaluation Its History, Tasks and Theory Good Theory for Social Program Evaluation PART TWO: STAGE ONE THEORIES: BRINGING TRUTH TO SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING Michael S Scriven The Science of Valuing Donald T Campbell Methodologist of the Experimenting Society PART THREE: STAGE TWO THEORIES: GENERATING ALTERNATIVES EMPHASIZING USE AND PRAGMATISM Carol H Weiss Linking Evaluation to Policy Research Joseph S Wholey Evaluation for Program Improvement Robert E Stake Responsive Evaluation and Qualitative Methods PART FOUR: STAGE THREE THEORIES: TRYING TO INTEGRATE THE PAST Lee J Cronbach Functional Evaluation Design for a World of Political Accommodation Peter H Rossi Comprehensive, Tailored, Theory-Driven Evaluations - A Smorgasbord of Options PART FIVE: CONCLUSIONS Summary and Implications for Evaluation Theory and Practice
