Realist Evaluation: An Emerging Theory in Support of Practice
New Directions for Evaluation, Number 78
Published on 29. June 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
109 pages
978-0-7879-1551-3 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
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.
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
John Wiley & Sons Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
179 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7879-1551-3 (9780787915513)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
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.
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.
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.
Content
1. A Realist Theory of Evaluation Practice (Melvin M. Mark, et
al.).
2. Evaluation as Sensemaking: Knowledge Construction in a
Realist World (George Julnes & Melvin M. Mark).
3. Values and Realist Evaluation (Gary T. Henry & George
Julnes).
4. Social Programming and Policy-Making: A Realist Perspective
(Melvin M. Mark & Gary T. Henry).
5. A Realist Theory and Analysis of Utilization (Gary T. Henry
& Debra J. Rog).
Epilogue: Experience Informing Theory Supporting Practice
(George Julnes, et al.).
al.).
2. Evaluation as Sensemaking: Knowledge Construction in a
Realist World (George Julnes & Melvin M. Mark).
3. Values and Realist Evaluation (Gary T. Henry & George
Julnes).
4. Social Programming and Policy-Making: A Realist Perspective
(Melvin M. Mark & Gary T. Henry).
5. A Realist Theory and Analysis of Utilization (Gary T. Henry
& Debra J. Rog).
Epilogue: Experience Informing Theory Supporting Practice
(George Julnes, et al.).