Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications, 2nd Edition

Chapter 5Pseudoevaluations

Learning Objectives

In this chapter you will learn about the following:

• Public relations studies
• Politically controlled studies
• Pandering evaluations
• Evaluation by pretext
• Empowerment under the guise of evaluation
• Customer feedback evaluation

Background and Introduction

Because this book is aimed at examining and explaining the state of the art in evaluation, it is necessary to discuss bad and questionable practices as well as best efforts. Evaluators and their clients are sometimes tempted to shade, selectively release, overgeneralize, or even falsify findings. In addition, evaluators might falsely characterize constructive efforts—such as providing evaluation training or developing an organization's evaluation ...