Learning Objectives
In this chapter you will learn about the following:
- The role of theory in advancing the evaluation discipline
- The contrast between an evaluation theory and an evaluation approach or model
- Program evaluation theory as only one of many types of evaluation theories
- Definitions of sound evaluation theory and its components
- Alternative sets of criteria for judging an evaluation theory
- The rationale for viewing theory development as a creative process that defies prescriptive approaches
- An assessment of progress toward developing validated theories of program evaluation
- The importance and difficulties of considering context in theories of program evaluation
- Illustrative hypotheses to be tested in ...