Program evaluation theory and practice: a comprehensive guide

I. The Landscape of Evaluation
1. Introduction to Evaluation: Defining Terms and Ethical Considerations

2. Framing Evaluation: Paradigms, Branches, and Theories

II. Historical and Contemporary Evaluation Paradigms, Branches, Theories, and Approaches

3. The Postpositivist Paradigm and the Methods Branch

4. The Pragmatic Paradigm and the Use Branch

5. The Constructivist Paradigm and the Values Branch

6. The Transformative Paradigm and the Social Justice Branch

III. Planning Evaluations

7. Working with Stakeholders: Establishing the Context and the Evaluand

8. Evaluation Purposes, Types, and Questions

9. Evaluation Designs

10. Data Collection Strategies and Indicators

11. Stakeholders, Participants, and Sampling

12. Data Analysis and Interpretation

IV. Implementation in Evaluation: Communication and Utilization of Findings, Management, Meta-Evaluation, and Challenges

13. Communication and Utilization of Findings

14. Meta-Evaluation and Project Management

15. Perennial and Emerging Issues in Evaluation

The leading text that covers both the theory and practice of evaluation in one engaging volume has now been revised and updated with additional evaluation approaches (such as mixed methods and principles-focused evaluation) and new methods (such as technologically based strategies). The book features examples of small- and large-scale evaluations from a range of fields, many with reflective commentary from the evaluators; helpful checklists; and carefully crafted learning activities. Major theoretical paradigms in evaluation—and the ways they inform methodological choices—are explained. Readers learn effective strategies for clarifying their own theoretical assumptions; working with stakeholders; developing questions; using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs; selecting data collection and sampling strategies; analyzing data; and communicating and utilizing findings. The new companion website provides extensive recommended online resources and tools, organized by chapter.
New to This Edition
Additional evaluation approaches: collaborative evaluation, principles-focused evaluation, and desk reviews.
Coverage of new data collection technologies and methods of qualitative coding.
Expanded discussions of logic models, cost–benefit analysis, and mixed methods designs.
Many new and updated sample studies.
Pedagogical Features
Reflection questions that prepare students to read each chapter.
"Extending Your Thinking" questions and practical activities.
Boxes delving into key concepts and example studies.
End-of-book Glossary, and highlighted key terms throughout.
Companion website with links to helpful resources on all aspects of evaluation.


https://www.guilford.com/books/Program-Evaluation-Theory-and-Practice/Mertens-Wilson/9781462532759