Evaluation: A Systematic Approach
SAGE Journal Articles
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Journal Article 1: Rosas, S. R. (2005). Concept Mapping as a Technique for Program Theory Development: An Illustration Using Family Support Programs. American Journal of Evaluation, 26(3), 389-401. DOI: 10.1177/1098214005278760
Summary: This article illustrates the use of concept mapping as a technique to explicate underlying program theory in the context of family support programs.
Questions to Consider:
1. How did the evaluators and staff members develop the benefits to families that formed the concept map?
2. What benefits does concept mapping provide evaluators?
3. What limitations does concept mapping have as it applies to theory development?
Journal Article 2: Munter, C. Cobb, P. & Shekell, C. (2015). The Role of Program Theory in Evaluation Research: A Consideration of the What Works Clearinghouse Standards in the Case of Mathematics Education. American Journal of Evaluation, 37(1), 7-26. DOI: 10.1177/1098214015571122
Summary: They examined the extent to which mathematics program evaluations that have been conducted according to methodologically rigorous standards have attended to the theories underlying the programs being evaluated.
Questions to Consider:
1. How were the reports coded for program theory?
2. What were the results of the coding?
3. How did the use of program theory vary across the analyzed programs?
Journal Article 3: Chandler, K. M. M. & Williamson, D. L. (2013) Explicating Practicum Program Theory: A Case Example in Human Ecology. Journal of Experiential Education, 36(3), 188-202. DOI: 10.1177/1053825913489101
Summary: This study explicated the theory underpinning the Human Ecology Practicum Program offered in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta.
Questions to Consider:
1. What methods were used to complete this study and how were the interrelated?
2. How was the theory of the Human Ecology Practicum Program developed and what does it assert?
3. According to the authors, why is it important to involved stakeholders in the process?