Reasons for not returning a questionnaire were studied among Lutheran church members sent a postcard to indicate no intention of replying. The analysis is based on 431 returned postcards. For most nonresponders, the interest value of the questionnaire topic was not high enough. Many who returned the negative reply card would be resistant…

The normative implications of applying significance tests in evaluation research are examined. The authors conclude that evaluators often make normative decisions, based on the traditional .05 significance level in studies with small samples. Additional reporting of the magnitude of impact, the significance level, and the power of the test is…

The authors demonstrate how exponential smoothing can play a role in the identification of the intervention component of an interrupted time-series design model that is analogous to the role that the sample autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions serve in the identification of the noise portion of such a model. (Author/BW)

Four studies using 12 sample groups culminated in a Depth of Delinquency Index for use in evaluations of juvenile treatment programs. This index was deemed suitable for trial use in program evaluations and research related to groups of juvenile delinquents, but not for individual diagnostic purposes. (Author/GK)

Technical aspects of the evaluation report are described and criticized as being determined by federal and state government regulations. The official evaluation report's unfortunate effects on the school are noted. It is suggested that the case study has revealed further serious weaknesses in mandated evaluation. (Author/RL)

Properties of three multidimensional measures of occupational segregation by race and gender are compared. The generalization of the Gini index (D. Boisso and others, 1994) is shown to be flawed, and calculations with six groups of U.S. Department of Labor data show that the generalization of the index of T. Karmel and M. Maclachlan by J. Silber…

A numerical taxonomy of evaluation theory and practice is presented, based on responses by 14 leading evaluators to a two-page questionnaire. A multidimensional scaling analysis of results indicated that differences between evaluation theories are more complex and more divisive than are differences in evaluation practice. (TJH)

Synthesizes the long-term findings of three major evaluations of programs that began in the late 1980s and were designed to improve the self-efficacy of teenage mothers on welfare. Economic outcomes for the mothers improved over time, and the interventions had some positive effects, although they did not affect fertility. (SLD)

This methodological study examines an original data collection model designed to incorporate human factors and enhance data richness in qualitative and evaluation research. Evidence supporting this model is drawn from in-depth youth and adult interviews in one of the largest policy/program evaluations undertaken in the United States, the Drug,…

Portal surveys, defined as assessments occurring proximal to the entry point to a high-risk locale and immediately on exit, can be used in different settings to measure characteristics and behavior of attendees at an event of interest. This methodology has been developed to assess alcohol and other drug (AOD) use at specific events and has…

This article presents an overview, description, and assessment of the Associative Group Analysis method for studying conceptual development and changes in belief systems. Three specific applications to evaluation research tasks are used to illustrate its potential. Uses in areas of cross-cultural issues, beliefs, integration, and adaptation are…

This article outlines an approach for developing and applying computerized decision support systems to the formulation and evaluation of public policy. To meet the challenge of financial resource limitations, new management systems must be developed to improve both governmental efficiency and decision-making effectiveness. (Author/BS)

A method is presented that allows multivariate comparability while making only minimal restrictions on randomization. This procedure is demonstrated in the context of assigning 63 aggregated units (schools) to 28 experimental and control conditions. Good comparability of groups for all primary main effects and interactions was verified for 15…

Despite a growing literature on evaluation methods suitable for applied settings, few investigators address the separation of service and research. This article recognizes obstacles to field studies. The authors specify practical strategies for entering service environments and for designing, implementing, and measuring an experimental…

Key issues in evaluating the effectiveness of research organizations are examined, and the following approaches for evaluation are explored: (1) the goal-attainment approach, (2) the strategic constituency approach, (3) a systems approach, and (4) a competing values framework. (SLD)