Realist Evaluation: An Emerging Theory in Support of Practice - Couverture souple

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0787915513 ISBN 13 : 9780787915513

Editeur : Jossey-Bass Inc.,U.S., 1998

Synopsis

Why is another theory of evaluation needed? The paradigm wars have left a void in their wake. A new theory, firmly grounded in a credible philosophy of science, is needed to guide practice. The aim of this volume is to provide a new theory that captures the sensemaking contributions from post-positivism and the sensitivity to values from constructivist traditions. The theory presented here is not a slap-dash synthesis of the competing paradigms--it is a new approach. Some of the contributions of the realist theory of evaluation are (1) providing a basis for principled discovery as we oscillate between explanations and data; (2) using explanation as a means for extrapolating findings from one evaluation to other settings; (3) viewing all methods, both quantitative and qualitative, as aids to sensemaking that have strengths and flaws; (4) connecting evaluation practice with the ultimate goal of most program evaluation--social betterment; and (5) balancing the focus of the evaluation between sensemaking and value inquiry. This is the 78th issue of the quarterly journal New Directions for Evaluation.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

GARY T. HENRY is professor of policy studies and political science at Georgia State University. GEORGE JULNES is Visiting Research Specialist at the Institute for Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Springfield. MELVIN M. MARK is professor of psychology at Pennsylvania State University.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Jossey-Bass Inc.,U.S.
• Date d'édition: 1998
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0787915513
• ISBN 13: 9780787915513
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 109
• Éditeur: Henry Gary T., Julnes George, Mark Melvin M.
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible