Program evaluation theory and practice : a comprehensive guide / Donna M. Mertens and Amy T. Wilson

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. The landscape of evaluation -- Part II. Historical and contemporary evaluation paradigms, branches, theories, and approaches -- Part 3. Planning evaluations -- Part IV. Implementation in evaluation: communication and utilization of findings, management, meta-evaluation, and challenges.

This engaging text takes an evenhanded approach to major theoretical paradigms in evaluation and builds a bridge from them to evaluation practice. Featuring helpful checklists, procedural steps, provocative questions that invite readers to explore their own theoretical assumptions, and practical exercises, the book provides a concrete guidance for conducting large- and small-scale evaluations. Numerous sample studies--many with reflective commentary from the evaluators--reveal the process through which an evaluator incorporates a paradigm into an actual research project. The book shows how theory informs methodological choices (the specifics of planning, implementing, and using evaluations). It offers balanced coverage of quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.