The Evaluation Purposes Visualization

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56645/jmde.v20i48.1017

Keywords:

evaluation theory, information visualization, evaluation historical context, organizing framework, theory development

Abstract

Background: The article outlines the development of a visualization that aimed to represent the purpose of different evaluation theories. This visualization used a stream/river metaphor to show the evolution of different purposes (e.g. utilization, knowledge generation, accountability) of evaluation, and also highlighted the historical context that had influenced their development. The visualization shows that the end goal of all these evaluation approaches (i.e. the ocean in which the rivers flow towards) is societal improvement.

Purpose: The article highlights the lessons learned and influences that led to the development of an evaluation theory categorization system. We hope that this would serve as an example (and maybe inspiration) for future efforts that aim to understand how evaluation theories have evolved and developed.

Setting: Not applicable.

Intervention: Not applicable.

Research Design: Not applicable.

Data Collection and Analysis: Not applicable.

Findings: Not applicable.

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References

Alkin, M. C. (Ed.). (2004). Evaluation roots: Tracing theorists' views and influences. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412984157

Alkin, M. C., & Christie, C. A. (2012). An evaluation theory tree. In M.C. Alkin & C.A., Christie (Eds.), Evaluation roots: A Wider Perspective of Theorists? Views and Influences (2nd ed., pp.11-58). Guilford Press.

House, E. R. (1975). Justice in evaluation. In G.V., Glass (Eds.) Evaluation Studies Review Annual (pp. 75-100). Sage.

Rawls, J. (1971). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674042605

Shadish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Leviton, L. C. (1991). Foundations of program evaluation: Theories of practice. Sage.

Weiss, C. H. (1998). Evaluation: Methods for studying programs and policies. Prentice Hall.

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Published

16-Aug-24

How to Cite

Azzam, T., & Donaldson, S. (2024). The Evaluation Purposes Visualization. Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, 20(48), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.56645/jmde.v20i48.1017

Issue

Section

Special Issue on Visualizing Evaluation Theory