An Introduction to Evaluation

With a strong focus on the interdisciplinary, this book gives practical advice for carrying out successful evaluations as well as covering the philosophical underpinnings of the associated theories providing readers with the complete introduction to the area.

Klappentext Both practical and theoretical in approach, this book is the perfect companion for student researchers and policy makers alike. It provides actionable advice for planning and implementing evaluations, while also instilling an ability to assess the evaluations of others and consider the ways in which evaluation evidence could influence policy and practice.Drawing upon a wide range of examples from policy areas like education, criminal justice, and health and social care, this book showcases how evaluation is an interdisciplinary research practice with a spectrum of applications. Each chapter contains philosophical underpinnings and applied knowledge as well as examples from published evaluations. Specific topics include how to: Choose an approach to evaluation Plan, design, and conduct evaluations Approach evaluations using theories of change Differentiate between process, impact, and economic evaluations Understand the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection Use systematic reviews and other tools to assess and disseminate evaluation findings From getting started in the field to turning evidence into policy, this book will guide you through every step of the evaluation process. Zusammenfassung With a strong focus on the interdisciplinary, this book gives practical advice for carrying out successful evaluations as well as covering the philosophical underpinnings of the associated theories providing readers with the complete introduction to the area. Inhaltsverzeichnis SECTION ONE: GETTING STARTED What is evaluation? The ethics of evaluations SECTION TWO: UNDERTAKING AN EVALUATION Theories of change Process evaluation Impact evaluation Economic evaluation Evaluation methods SECTION 3: THE PRACTICE OF EVALUATION Planning an evaluation Conducting an evaluation SECTION 4: USING EVALUATION FINDINGS Systematic reviews Knowledge mobilisation: getting evidence into policy and practice SECTION 5: EVALUATION PARADIGMS Evaluation paradigms and the limits of evidence based policy Conclusion ...

Inhalt

SECTION ONE: GETTING STARTED
What is evaluation?
The ethics of evaluations
SECTION TWO: UNDERTAKING AN EVALUATION
Theories of change
Process evaluation
Impact evaluation
Economic evaluation
Evaluation methods
SECTION 3: THE PRACTICE OF EVALUATION
Planning an evaluation
Conducting an evaluation
SECTION 4: USING EVALUATION FINDINGS
Systematic reviews
Knowledge mobilisation: getting evidence into policy and practice
SECTION 5: EVALUATION PARADIGMS
Evaluation paradigms and the limits of evidence based policy
Conclusion