Evaluation Research Methods: A Basic GuideLeonard Rutman Abstract: The tasks involved in planning an evaluative study are examined in terms of the social, political, and economic factors which constrain evaluators. These constraints affect the design, goals, focus, variables, and implementation of an evaluation. Basic techniques and procedures in evaluation research methodology are described with reference to practical problems which must be addressed by the evaluator. Specific directions for planning evaluations are given. Conceptual and methodological issues are illustrated with examples of evaluations from health, education, and social programs. Topics include evaluability assessment, problems of measurement, experimental designs, data analysis, information systems, and benefit cost evaluation. (nm). |
Contents
Chapter Page | 7 |
PLANNING AN EVALUATION STUDY | 13 |
EVALUABILITY ASSESSMENT | 39 |
Copyright | |
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administrative alternative approach benefit-cost ratio benefits bias biases Boruch Campbell causal assumptions causal inferences clients collected concern conducted construct validity control group costs covariance criminal defined dependent variable determine dissemination estimates of program evaluability assessment evaluation design evaluation research evaluation study ex ante example experimental factors feedback formative research hospital identify impact implemented important increase individuals information system innovation internal validity intervention activities involved major measures ment methods Michael Scriven Negative Income Tax nonequivalent nonrandomized objectives offenders organization organizational outcomes parole participants particular patients planning plausible posttest preconditions pretest problem procedures program effect program evaluation quasi-experiments questions random assignment randomized experiments randomly recidivism regression relative relevant reliability Restitution Center Sesame Street social programs specific staff statistical statistical conclusion validity Structural Equation Models techniques therapy threats to internal tion treatment effects treatment groups variables