Patton demonstrates that the main failing of most evaluations is a lack of practicality. They fail to be cheap, accurate, attuned to the differences between different programmes or to provide useful, realistic policy alternatives for decision-makers. Patton discusses the major stages of the evaulation process, describing evaluation design, measurement, analysis and reporting. Using his own field and workshop experiences, he provides a new vision of evaluation that emphasizes the elements of feasibility, efficiency, and utility.

This valuable book reviews and discusses the latest research on family sexual abuse. With contributions by both practitioners and researchers, it covers such issues as sibling incest; the background of sexual offenders; effects of sexual abuse on children, of offender removal from the home and of reunification and the prognosis for incest offenders after treatment. Within this context the immediate problems of local practitioners dealing with real life instances are highlighted and discussed.

When his son Brandon was born, author Michael Quinn Patton began pondering how best to celebrate the day his son would become a man. As a sociologist, Patton was intrigued with the rich history of coming of age rites of passage for young men, dating to ancient tribal cultures. But as a humanist he was wary of contemporary men's movements and their stressing of new age spiritualities. This is the story of the Pattons' journey of discovery as they learn about history and geology, false spirituality, facing danger together, and what it means to be a man in today's world. Illustrated with...

Responding to evaluator and instructor demand, this book presents a diverse set of high-quality developmental evaluation (DE) case studies. Twelve insightful exemplars illustrate how DE is used to evaluate innovative initiatives in complex, dynamic environments, including a range of fields and international settings. Written by leading practitioners, chapters offer a rare window into what it takes to do DE, what roles must be fulfilled, and what results can be expected. Each case opens with an incisive introduction by the editors. The book also addresses frequently asked questions about DE,...

Responding to evaluator and instructor demand, this book presents a diverse set of high-quality developmental evaluation (DE) case studies. Twelve insightful exemplars illustrate how DE is used to evaluate innovative initiatives in complex, dynamic environments, including a range of fields and international settings. Written by leading practitioners, chapters offer a rare window into what it takes to do DE, what roles must be fulfilled, and what results can be expected. Each case opens with an incisive introduction by the editors. The book also addresses frequently asked questions about DE,...

How can programs and organizations ensure they are adhering to core principles--and assess whether doing so is yielding desired results? From evaluation pioneer Michael Quinn Patton, this book introduces the principles-focused evaluation (P-FE) approach and demonstrates its relevance and application in a range of settings. Patton explains why principles matter for program development and evaluation and how they can serve as a rudder to navigate the uncertainties, turbulence, and emergent challenges of complex dynamic environments. In-depth exemplars illustrate how the unique GUIDE framework...

� This book addresses the challenges faced by arts organizations, schools, and community-based settings when designing program evaluations and measuring artistic engagement and experience.