Foundations of Program Evaluation: Theories of Practice

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Foundations 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
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