Brossura

ISBN 10: 0805846719 ISBN 13: 9780805846713

Casa editrice: Routledge, 2007

Program Theory-Driven Evaluation Science fills the gap between 21st century literature on evaluation and what is happening in practice. It features detailed examples of how evaluations actually unfold in practice to develop people, programs, and organizations. Commonly accepted strategies for practicing evaluation are outlined, followed by comprehensive accounts of how those strategies have played out in the face of the complexities and challenges of “real world” settings. In so doing, the book illustrates the authentic challenges of implementing an evaluation approach in practice.

Author Stewart Donaldson provides a state-of-the-art treatment of the practice of program theory-driven evaluation science. Each case follows a three-step model: developing program impact theory; formulating and prioritizing evaluation questions; and answering evaluation questions. Initial chapters discuss the emergence of program theory-driven evaluation science and specific strategies for carrying out each of the three steps. Succeeding chapters address recent applications and practical implications of evaluation science. The challenges and lessons learned from the cases are then reviewed.

This volume is of significant value to evaluation practitioners, professors and trainers of evaluation, evaluation researchers, and advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and serves as a text for courses in evaluation and applied research methods. It is also of great interest to those interested in the connections between work and health, career development, human service organizations, and organizational improvement and effectiveness.

About the Author:

Stewart I. Donaldson is Professor and Director of the Claremont Evaluation Center, and Dean of the Schools of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation and Community & Global Health at Claremont Graduate University. Dean Donaldson continues to develop and lead one of the most extensive and rigorous graduate programs specializing in evaluation. Dr. Donaldson is currently serving as the Director of the American Evaluation Association s (AEA) Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) Program and recently served a 3-year term on the AEA Board. He leads the Certificate for the Advanced Study of Evaluation Program at Claremont (a distance education program for working professionals) and has taught thousands of graduate students and working professionals participating in online courses, workshops, webinars, and various other e-learning experiences. He is a fellow of the "Western Psychological Association, " serves on the Boards of the "International Positive Psychology Association" and "EvalPartners, " and the Editorial Boards of the"American Journal of Evaluation, New Directions for Evaluation, Evaluation and Program Planning", and the Journal"of Multidisciplinary Evaluation". Professor Donaldson has authored or co-authored more than 200 evaluation reports, scientific journal articles, and chapters and his recent books include"Credible and actionable evidence: The foundation of rigorous and influential evaluations "(this volume); "Practical program design and redesign: A theory-driven approach to program development and developmental evaluation "(forthcoming); "Evaluation for an equitable society "(forthcoming); "Theory-driven positive psychology: A culturally responsive scientific approach "(forthcoming); "Emerging Practices in International Development Evaluation"(2013); "The Future of Evaluation in Society: A Tribute to Michael Scriven "(2013); "TeachingPsychology Online: Tips and Strategies for Success"(2012); "Social Psychology and Evaluation"(2011);"Advancing Validity in Outcome Evaluation: Theory and Practice"(2011); "Applied Positive Psychology: Improving Everyday Life, Health, Schools, Work, and Society"(2011);"What Counts as Credible Evidence in Applied Research and Evaluation Practice?"(2008);"Program Theory-Driven Evaluation Science: Strategies and Applications"(2007);"Applied Psychology: New Frontiers and Rewarding Careers"(2006); and"Evaluating Social Programs and Problems: Visions for the New Millennium"(2003). Dr. Donaldson has been honored with Early Career Achievement Awards from the Western Psychological Association and the American Evaluation Association. In 2013, he was honored with the American Evaluation Association s Paul F. Lazarsfeld Award for sustained lifetime written contributions to advancing evaluation theory and practice, and was elected President of the American Evaluation Association.

Review:

"This book has multiple audiences and numerous potential uses.  It can be used in graduate courses focused on student and faculty development and with cohorts and other groups where acclimation to the academy and relational learning are critical. ... The teachings of this book could serve faculty and administrators at all levels of experience.  A final audience is mentoring scholars and researchers for whom this contemporary compendium of ideas and practices can further inform professions." -Education Review

“Donaldson’s book makes an important contribution to the advancement of theory-driven evaluation, and toward improving the evaluation profession ... It allows readers to not only understand how and when to use theory-driven evaluations, but also how to perform them.” -Huey T. Chen, Ph.D., The University of Alabama at Birmingham