Evaluation Roots: Tracing Theorists' Views and Influences - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0761928944 ISBN 13: 9780761928942

Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc, 2004

Synopsis

Concern for evaluation theoretical prescriptions emerged about 40 years ago, giving it a history that is both recent enough to be part of the living experience of many of today′s theorists and old enough to afford an opportunity for an analysis of how the field has evolved over time. This book examines current evaluation theories and traces their evolution with the point of view that theories build upon theories and, therefore, evaluation theories are related to each other. Initially, all evaluation was derived from social science research methodology and accountability concerns. The way in which these evaluation `roots′ grew to form a tree helps to provide a better understanding of evaluation theory. Thus, the book uses an evaluation theory tree as its central metaphor. The authors posit that evaluation theories can be classified by the extent to which they focus on methods, uses, or valuing; these three approaches form the major limbs of the tree. In addition to the authors′ overview, which analyzes the evaluation theory tree and connections among theories, the book contains essays by most of the leading evaluation theorists. In these pieces, the evaluators comment on their own development and give their views of their placement upon the tree.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Marvin C. Alkin received his Ed.D. from Stanford University in 1964. His research revolves around evaluation utilization, evaluation theory, and the difficulties one faces when evaluating educational programs. Alkin's publications include the bestselling Encyclopedia of Educational Research, Sixth Edition and Debates on Evaluation. Alkin is also the former editor of Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761928944
• ISBN 13: 9780761928942
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 440
• Editor: Alkin Marvin C.