ERIC Number: EJ1234069
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Dec
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1098-2140
EISSN: N/A
Why Evaluation Theory Should Be Used to Inform Evaluation Policy
Christie, Christina A.; Lemire, Sebastian Thomas
American Journal of Evaluation, v40 n4 p490-508 Dec 2019
Many organizations now have evaluation policies. Because formal evaluation policies intend to frame evaluation practice, it is important to understand the aims of policies and their influence on practice. Evaluation theory is also intended to guide practice; therefore, the extent to which policies are informed by theory is also important to consider, given the related purposes of evaluation theories and policies. Because evaluation policies have emerged with greater occurrence relatively recently, the conceptual and empirical work on the theory-policy-practice connection is limited. Our aim in this article is to flesh out the intersection between evaluation theory, policy, and practice. As illustrative examples, we discuss the three policies in terms of methods, use, and valuing--three core dimensions of evaluation theory. The article concludes with a set of reflections on the different strategies for and implications of a stronger integration of evaluation theory in evaluation policies.
Descriptors: Evaluation Methods, Educational Theories, Educational Practices, Program Evaluation, Theory Practice Relationship, Policy Analysis, Evidence Based Practice, Evaluation Criteria, Standards
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A