Uses and Limitations of Evaluation Research
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, be certain to have read all the required resources for this week.
Evaluation research is a unique, applicable form of scientific inquiry. While the conceptualizations of ordinary research methods form the foundation upon which evaluation research rests, there are some nuances found in evaluation that are unique. One such nuance centers on questions of whether a particular policy or program can be evaluated.
Critique the design of an evaluation by describing what evaluability means and why proper evaluability is so fundamental to the success of any specific project. For examples on strategies for how to determine evaluability, you should make use of the Lipsey, Petrie, Weisburd, and Gottfredson article and this week’s required reading from the Rossi, Lipsey, and Freeman text. You may support your position with both scholarly and non-scholarly credible sources.
Required Resources
Text
Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A systemic approach (7th ed.). Retrieved from https://content.uagc.edu
- Chapter 5: Expressing and Assessing Program Theory
- Chapter 6: Assessing and Monitoring Program Process
Article
Lipsey, M., Petrie, C., Weisburd, D., & Gottfredson, D. (2006). Improving evaluation of anti-crime programs: Summary of a National Research Council report Links to an external site.. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 2(3), 271-307. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11292-006-9009-6
- The full-text version of this article can be accessed through the ProQuest database in the University of Arizona Global Campus Library. This article, a summary of a National Research Council workshop, presents the findings of participant discussion of projects that represented the challenges and methods associated with evaluation research. The article, in conjunction with your text, should provide concrete examples of various research methods and practices to assist in the development of your Final Paperl. This article will assist you in the completion of this week’s assignment and discussion response.
