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"During the nearly half a century that I have been teaching courses on program evaluation I have not found a textbook that fit my course as well as I preferred. The main problem has been that some books cover too much research methods content that duplicates what students learn in their research methods courses, while other books don't have enough of that content. The problem is understandable, because program evaluation is carried out using research methods. Another reason why I have been dissatisfied with the books with heavy doses of research content is that so much of that content is pitched to wellfunded evaluations of national and international projects for which program evaluation is a key component of the program from its outset. Very sophisticated research designs are not only feasible in such projects, they are expected. Program evaluation in local social and human service agencies - where most of my students begin their careers - is unlike program evaluation in those projects in several important ways"--

Social Work Research and Evaluation applies systematically developed research knowledge to social work practice and emphasizes the "doing" of social work as a reciprocal avenue for generating research evidence and social work knowledge. Using the Examined Practice Model, authors Elizabeth G. DePoy and Stephen F. Gilson present research as the identification of a problem and then proceed to evaluate the efficacy of social work practice in its resolution. Diverse theories, actions, and sets of evidence from a range of professional and disciplinary perspectives are included to underscore the importance of integrating evaluation and practice in research.

In January 1970 Alice M. Rivlin spoke to an audience at the University of California-Berkeley. The topic was developing a more rational approach to decisionmaking in government. If digital video, YouTube, and TED Talks had been inventions of the 1960s, Rivlin's talk would have been a viral hit. As it was, the resulting book, Systematic Thinking for Social Action, spent years on the Brookings Press bestseller list. Is is a very personal and conversational volume about the dawn of new ways of thinking about government.As deputy assistant secretary for program coordination, and later as assistan

Providing students and practitioners with a comprehensive introduction to evaluation research, this book shows how social research methods and methodologies can be applied in a variety of evaluation contexts. The author: - illustrates the contribution both quantitative and qualitative methods can make to evaluation; - stresses the important part played by theory in the evaluation enterprise; - introduces some of the conceptual, methodological and practical problems encountered when undertaking this type of applied research, especially in the areas of criminal justice, health care and education

"Social Work Evaluation is a straightforward guide in how to conduct evaluations of programs and practice interventions. Evaluation is presented by Dudley as a seven-step approach using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods. Evaluations are covered during the planning, implementation, and outcome stages of an intervention's development. Competencies in understanding and conducting evaluations are essential for human service professionals to have. Professionals are increasingly expected to provide evidence that that their interventions are effective and evaluations are the best way to provide this evidence. Evaluations are also about accountability. Being accountable means being responsive to a wide range of stakeholder needs essential for program effectiveness and progressive policy impact. Stakeholders include administrators, funding and regulatory agencies, staff members, communities, and clients and their families. Dudley gives special attention to evaluation of practice, an accreditation requirement that is not covered in other evaluation texts. Additional features include using the logic model for continued oversight of evaluation concerns. Special attention is also given to involving clients in the evaluation process. Overall, this comprehensive book offers students the necessary knowledge and skills to play a central role in the future of their profession"--