Program Evaluation: Pragmatic Methods for Social Work and Human Service Agencies

ISBN-13: 9781108835992 / Angielski / Twarda / 2020 / 264 str.

Allen Rubin (University of Houston)

Opis

Be prepared for your future role in a service-oriented agency. This textbook provides practical guidance on program evaluation while avoiding replicating other course material. Drawing on over 40 years of subject knowledge, Allen Rubin describes outcome designs that are feasible for service-oriented agencies and that match the degree of certainty needed by key users of outcome evaluations. The utility and easy calculation of within-group effect sizes are outlined, which enhance the value of evaluations that lack control groups. Instructions are also given on how to write and disseminate an evaluation report in a way maximizes its chances of being used. Conducting focus group interviews and capitalising on the value of non-probabilitysamples will become second nature after following the effective and pragmatic advice mapped out chapter-by-chapter.

Recenzje

'Program evaluation provides a foundation for evidence-informed policy and practice in the social services. Human service professionals are key to developing that evidence. This book provides students and practitioners with the knowledge, values, and skills needed for such evaluations.' Edward J Mullen, Willma and Albert Musher Professor Emeritus, Columbia University

Spis treści

Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction and overview; 2. Ethical and cultural issues in program evaluation; Part II. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Formative and Process Evaluations: 3. Needs assessment; 4. Survey methods for program planning and monitoring; Part III. Evaluating Outcome in Service-Orientated Agencies: 5. Selecting and measuring outcome objectives; 6. Inference and logic in pragmatic outcome evaluation: don't let the perfect become the enemy of good; 7. Feasible outcome evaluation designs; 8. Single-case designs for evaluating programs and practice; 9. Practical and political pitfalls in outcome evaluations; Part IV. Analyzing and Presenting Data: 10. Analyzing and presenting data from formative and process evaluations; 11. Anaylzing data from outcome evaluations; 12. Writing and disseminating evaluation reports; Epilogue. More tips for becoming a successful evaluator.