Theory-Driven Evaluations (Paperback)

by Huey Tsyh Chen (Author) "Theory is a frame of reference that helps humans to understand their world and to function in it..." (more)
Key Phrases: implementation environment evaluation, implementor dimension, exploratory causal analysis, Head Start, Performance Contracting Experiment, Plaza Sesamo (more...)

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Product Description
Chen introduces a new, comprehensive `theory-driven' framework for programme evaluation which is designed to expand the scope and usefulness of the field. The presentation of this new perspective directly addresses the needs and concerns in both the professional and applied areas of programme evaluation. Application of systematic strategies is illustrated by concrete examples from a variety of evaluation studies in different fields. Theory-Driven Evaluation will be an envaluable tool to anyone involved in programme evaluation.

About the Author

 Huey-Tsyh Chen has been a Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham since 2002.  He was born and raised in Taiwan.  Dr. Chen worked at the University of Akron until 1997, when he joined the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the chief of an evaluation branch. Dr. Chen had taken a leadership role in designing and implementing a national evaluation system for assessing the CDC funded HIV prevention programs, which are based in health departments and community organizations.  Dr. Chen has contributed to the development of evaluation theory and methodology, especially in the areas of program theory and theory-driven evaluations. His book, Theory-Driven Evaluations, has been recognized as one of the landmarks in program evaluation.  In 1998 he received the Senior Biomedical Research Service Award from the CDC. He is also the 1993 recipient of the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Award for contributions to Evaluation Theory from the American Evaluation Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc; 1 edition (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803958994
• ISBN-13: 978-0803958999
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #903,708 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evaluation Classic, June 26, 2007

By	Hugh G. Peach "Sociologist, Political Economi... (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Chen's book, and his subsequent work, introduced the role of program theory and program logic diagrams as core elements essential to evaluaton method. This approach supports the blending of "hard science" schools of evaluation that stress scientific method, random samples, experimential and quasi-experimental design with the naturalistic, social relations oriented schools by emphasizing the importance of bringing to an evaluation extensive subject-matter knowledge for the development of program theory. Program theory (and associated logic diagrams) then takes precedence in framing the research questions and indicating how methods should be deployed, as well as how quantitative and qualitative methods should be configured in an evaluation. This is different from the simple joining of impact and process evaluation on a project because it moves some elements of process evaluation to the heart of strategy for impact evaluation, and improves both quantitative and qualitative results for both internal validity and generalization. Chen proposes an extensive typology for these relationships. In some ways the book documents a conceptual breakthough for evaluation that also occurs in every social science that has experienced a "struggle of methods" between schools of quantitative and qualitative insights. There are "many roads to the city," and Campbell's quasi-experimental design school, for example, includes these synergies in practical work. But this is the book that made the difference in this field (evaluation). It is quite well written, clear, and can serve as a core text on evaluation method.