Foundations of Program Evaluation: Theories of PracticeFoundations 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. |
Contents
Preface 73 | 7 |
Acknowledgments | 13 |
Its History | 19 |
Good Theory for Social Program Evaluation | 36 |
Methodologist | 119 |
Generating Alternatives | 171 |
Linking Evaluation to Policy Research | 179 |
Evaluation for Program Improvement | 225 |
Responsive Evaluation | 270 |
Functional Evaluation Design | 323 |
Comprehensive Tailored | 377 |
Summary and Implications | 441 |