Program evaluation : an introduction / David Royse, Bruce A. Thyer and Deborah K. Padgett

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1.Introduction - 2.Ethical issues in program evaluation - 3.Needs assessment - 4.Qualitative and mixed methods in evaluation - 5.Formative and process evaluation - 6.Single system research designs - 7.Client satisfaction - 8.Sampling - 9.Group research designs - 10.Cost-effectiveness and cost analysis - 11.Measurement tools and strategies - 12.Illustrations of instruments - 13.Pragmatic issues - 14.Data analysis - 15.Writing evaluation proposals, reports, and journal articles.

The book helps readers learn how to evaluate services and programs that they will encounter in their professional practice. In the process of learning evaluation techniques and skills, readers will become proficient at critically analyzing evaluation studies conducted by others. The authors present and simplify all the essentials needed for a critical appreciation of evaluation issues and methodology. The book's clear writing style and clear presentation of concepts, as well as the its hands-on and applied focus, will guide readers on how to gather evidence and demonstrate that their interventions and programs are effective in improving clients' lives. This edition's up-to-date coverage includes a greater number of references to current literature, emphasizing that consulting the literature is an important step in recognizing, developing, and evaluating evidence-based practice or research-informed practice.