Theory-Driven Evaluations

Front Cover
SAGE, 1990 - Reference - 326 pages
A new, comprehensive framework for programme evaluation designed to bridge the gap between the method- and theory-oriented perspectives, is presented in this book, newly available in paper. Chen provides an intensive discussion of the nature and functions of programme theory, approaches to constructing programme theories, and the integration of programme theory with evaluation processes. Specific types of theory-driven evaluations, as well as principles and guidelines for application, are developed for meeting different policy purposes. Application of systematic strategies is illustrated by concrete examples from a variety of evaluation studies in different fields.
 

Contents

Foreword
7
Preface
11
Part I Introduction
15
A Question of Balance
17
Part II The TheoryDriven Perspective
37
The New Alternative
39
Values Approaches and Strategies
57
Chapter 4 Applications of TheoryDriven Evaluations
77
Assessing Intended and Unintended Outcomes
167
Chapter 10 Intervening Mechanism Evaluation
191
Chapter 11 Generalization Evaluation
219
Part V Composite Types
255
Chapter 12 Normative TreatmentImpact Evaluation
257
Chapter 13 Normative Implementation EnvironmentImpact Evaluation
274
Part VI Conclusions and Discussion
289
Chapter 14 Conclusions and Discussion
291

Basic Types
87
Chapter 5 Normative Outcome Evaluation
89
Chapter 6 Normative Treatment Evaluation
102
Chapter 7 Normative Implementation Environment Evaluation
117
Basic Types
141
Broadening the Evidence Base
143
References
302
Name Index
317
Subject Index
322
About the Author
326
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (1990)

Huey T. Chen has been a Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham since 2002. He was born and raised in Taiwan. Dr. Chen worked at the University of Akron until 1997, when he joined the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the chief of an evaluation branch. Dr. Chen had taken a leadership role in designing and implementing a national evaluation system for assessing the CDC funded HIV prevention programs, which are based in health departments and community organizations. Dr. Chen has contributed to the development of evaluation theory and methodology, especially in the areas of program theory and theory-driven evaluations. His book, Theory-Driven Evaluations, has been recognized as one of the landmarks in program evaluation. In 1998 he received the Senior Biomedical Research Service Award from the CDC. He is also the 1993 recipient of the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Award for contributions to Evaluation Theory from the American Evaluation Association.

Bibliographic information