SAGE Journal Articles

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Journal Article 1: Orr, L. L. (2018). The Role of Evaluation in Building Evidence-Based Policy. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 678(1), 51-59. DOI: 10.1177/0002716218764299

Abstract: Growing recognition that many government programs may be ineffective, or at best of unproven effectiveness, has led to the evidence-based policy movement. Rigorous evaluation is central to this movement. In this article, the author briefly review the history of evaluation of social programs and the barriers to the application of effective evaluation to public policy.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the evidence-based policy movement?
2. How has the evaluation of social programs changed over time?
3. What are the biggest barriers in applying evaluation to public policy?

Journal Article 2: Francis, L. J. & Smith, B. J. (2015). Toward Best Practice in Evaluation: A Study of Australian Health Promotion Agencies. Health Promotion Practice, 16(5), 715-723. DOI: 10.1177/1524839915572574

Abstract: Evaluation makes a critical contribution to the evidence base for health promotion programs and policy. Because there has been limited research about the characteristics and determinants of evaluation practice in this field, this study audited evaluations completed by health promotion agencies in Victoria, Australia, and explored the factors that enabled or hindered evaluation performance.

Questions to Consider:

1. How were the evaluation reports assessed?
2. What type of evaluations were most commonly and undertaken and which were most rarely undertaken?
3. What were the major barriers to evaluation?

Journal Article 3: House, E. R. (2017). Evaluation and the Framing of Race. American Journal of Evaluation, 38(2), 167-189. DOI: 10.1177/1098214017694963

Abstract: Racial framing can have strong effects on programs, policies, and even evaluations. By being aware of its pattern, structure, origins, and how racial framing generates effects, we can significantly reduce its influence.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is racial framing?
2. How does racial framing generate effects?
3. How can it be controlled in evaluations?