Comparing the intended consequences of three theories of evaluation

Rebecca J.C. Luskin and Timothy Ho

Evaluation and Program Planning, 2013, vol. 38, issue C, 61-66

Abstract: This paper compares selected evaluation theories (Practical Participatory Evaluation, Values-Engaged Evaluation, Emergent Realist Evaluation) on the basis of their stated consequences. The discussion follows Mark's (2008) framework for research on evaluation and uses Miller's (2010) criteria of discernible impact and reproducibility in order to delineate the theories. The research on evaluation outcomes shows that some of the claims made by each evaluation theory are supported with evidence, but many substantial claims remain untested. The short term and long term goals espoused by each theory show noticeable differences in the consequences of each evaluation approach, with different emphases placed on organizational capacity, use of findings, or perceptions of the evaluation as outcomes of the prescribed evaluation approach.

Keywords: Evaluation theory; Logic modeling; Evaluation use; Research on evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149718912000341
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:epplan:v:38:y:2013:i:c:p:61-66

DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2012.03.015

Access Statistics for this article

Evaluation and Program Planning is currently edited by Jonathan A. Morell

More articles in Evaluation and Program Planning from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().