Program Evaluation 4th Edition

Program Evaluation: Alternative Approaches and Practical Guidelines 4th Edition – ISBN :9780205579358

Program Evaluation: Alternative Approaches and Practical Guidelines, 4th Edition (ISBN-13: 9780205579358) offers a comprehensive overview of program evaluation, covering common approaches, models, and methods. As demand for information on program effectiveness and outcomes continues to rise, it is essential for students to understand the prevalent approaches and models used in evaluation, including objectives-based, logic models, participative, and decision-making approaches.

This updated edition not only covers these vital approaches but also teaches readers how to effectively mix and match elements from different approaches to conduct optimal evaluation studies for individual programs. Aimed at both students and professionals new to the field, this text provides practical guidelines for conducting evaluations—from identifying key questions to determining how to collect, analyze, and report evaluative information.

With the use of checklists, examples, and study aides, Program Evaluation helps students determine the central purpose of their evaluations, making them more valid, useful, and efficient. The revised edition includes new approaches to program evaluation, expanded discussions of logic models, and the most current trends and issues in the field.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Explores all major evaluation approaches, including objectives-based, participative, and decision-making methods.
• Practical Guidelines: Provides step-by-step guidance for planning and conducting evaluations, with a focus on validity and utility.
• Updated Content: Includes new approaches, expanded information on logic models, and discussions of current trends in program evaluation.
• Study Aides: Features checklists, examples, and other tools to help students effectively conduct evaluations.

ISBN Information:

• Print ISBN-13: 9780205579358

Table of Contents:

Part One: Introduction to Evaluation

1. Evaluation’s Basic Purposes, Uses, and Conceptual Distinctions
2. Origins and Current Trends in Modern Program Evaluation
3. Political, Interpersonal, and Ethical Issues in Evaluation

Part Two: Alternative Approaches to Program Evaluation 4. Alternative Views of Evaluation 5. First Approaches: Expertise and Consumer-Oriented Approaches 6. Program-Oriented Evaluation Approaches 7. Decision-Oriented Evaluation Approaches 8. Participant-Oriented Evaluation Approaches 9. Other Current Considerations: Cultural Competence and Capacity Building 10. A Comparative Analysis of Approaches

Part Three: Practical Guidelines for Planning Evaluations 11. Clarifying the Evaluation Request and Responsibilities 12. Setting Boundaries and Analyzing the Evaluation Context 13. Identifying and Selecting the Evaluation Questions and Criteria 14. Planning How to Conduct the Evaluation

Part Four: Practical Guidelines for Conducting and Using Evaluations 15. Collecting Evaluative Information: Design, Sampling, and Cost Choices 16. Collecting Evaluative Information: Data Sources and Methods, Analysis and Interpretation 17. Reporting Evaluation Results: Maximizing Use and Understanding 18. The Future of Evaluation

Program Evaluation: Alternative Approaches and Practical Guidelines, 4th Edition is a crucial resource for students and professionals in the field of evaluation, providing the knowledge and tools needed to effectively assess and improve programs.