An example is provided of an evaluation in which the formulation of explicit decision rules was a central activity. The case for and against the use of decision rules in program evaluation is considered, and the appropriate context identified. Implications for the rights of decision makers are addressed. (Author/CTM)

Learning from evaluation is discussed with reference to the experiences of the Norwegian aid administration. The study demonstrates that evaluation builds learning through involvement and through communication. An organization can maximize its learning by making the two modes supplement each other. (SLD)

The history of research and development (R&D) and its evaluation within the 3M Company are traced as an example of the progression of the use of evaluation and evaluation techniques. Scoring methods, cost-benefit analysis, and risk analysis have been among the most frequently used program evaluation methods. (SLD)

Three exploratory studies involving 116 students examined the relevance of a developmental model for approaching supervision of graduate students in evaluation studies. The model includes three stages and eight developmental tasks in each stage. Three case studies support using the developmental model in conceptualizing student progress. (SLD)

The outcome evaluation of a Drug-Free Schools and Community Program using a case-study design and pattern-matching logic in elementary schools and high schools is described, including the use of a panel survey and qualitative interviews. The elementary school case matched predicted outcome, but the high school case did not. (SLD)

Field data from two case studies of youth employment and day care information/referral programs illustrate dynamic linkages between stakeholder participation and utilization in program evaluation. Elements of the participatory process (which fosters a readiness for use) are linked to cognitive, affective, and political dimensions of participation…

Trade-offs are implicit in choosing a subjective or objective method for evaluating social programs. The differences between Bayesian and traditional statistics, decision and cost-benefit analysis, and anthropological and traditional case systems illustrate trade-offs in choosing methods because of limited resources. (SLD)

This issue discusses the relevance of microcomputers to evaluation research and program evaluation. The relevance of software designed to aid in making decisions, establishing relations through statistical analysis, and gathering information is emphasized. The relevance of hardware, word processing, and teaching is also discussed. (BS)

Evaluation design decisions for a child care provider training program are discussed as a function of three characteristics: decentralization, local autonomy and multiple delivery strategies. While decentralized process data were gathered, only centralized outcome data were collected. The design decisions made were appropriate for such diverse…

A 10-site school program is evaluated, the history of community schools, local program's goals, and the method used to study each goal are described. Included also are a structural equation model of the data and discussion of the politics of the evaluation. (Author/GK)

Considers how performance standards should be set and applied in the face of problems caused by auxiliary outcomes (outcomes other than those of interest) and counterfactual outcomes (the threshold standard not observed). Makes the case that the proper way to implement standards varies with the prior information an evaluator can credibly bring to…

Experiences from evaluation of the American Sociological Association's Project to Improve Undergraduate Training in Sociology, and ways that evaluators can avoid alienating program participants are discussed. Data highlight the futility of measurement couched solely in terms of success and failure. A conceptual framework based on organizational…

Some of the threats to internal validity that arise when evaluating the impact of water conservation programs during a drought are illustrated. These include differential response to the drought, self-selection bias, and measurement error. How to deal with these problems when high-quality disaggregate data are available is discussed. (SLD)

Identifies the demand for distributional impact assessment related to forest policies and projects and the linkages between distributional impacts and sustainable development. An integrated model is developed to assess the distributional impact of forest policies and projects. Studying the impact of the introduction of structural particleboard…

Various disparate activities have been defined as outreach, which is an element of social service/disease prevention programs. The history of outreach as a project element within federal social programs, central sources of variations in this element, measures of effectiveness and cost effectiveness, and recurring implementation issues are…