Evaluation Use Theory, Practice, and Future Research: Reflections on the Alkin and King "AJE" Series

Autor/in	Patton, Michael Quinn
Titel	Evaluation Use Theory, Practice, and Future Research: Reflections on the Alkin and King "AJE" Series
Quelle	In: American Journal of Evaluation, 41 (2020) 4, S.581-602 (22 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Patton, Michael Quinn)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1098-2140
DOI	10.1177/1098214020919498
Schlagwörter	Evaluation Utilization; Use Studies; Definitions; Theories; Social Science Research; Systems Approach + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Benutzerschulung; Begriffsbestimmung; Theory; Theorie; Social scientific research; Sozialwissenschaftliche Forschung; Systemischer Ansatz
Abstract	Marvin Alkin and Jean King published three AJE articles on evaluation use over four years, a coherent and comprehensive series covering the historical development of evaluation use, definitions and factors associated with use and misuse, and theories of evaluation use and influence, concluding with assessment of the first 50 years of use research. They conclude with recommendations for future theory development and research on evaluation. I draw a different set of conclusions and pathway forward. Where they seek a common universal operational definition of evaluation use, I propose treating use as a thick sensitizing concept that invites diversity of context-specific meanings. Where they find evaluation use theory inadequate, I argue that it is sufficient for its purpose. Where they seek more development of evaluation-specific utilization theory, I propose drawing on more established and validated theories from social sciences to explain and illuminate evaluation use as occurring in complex dynamic systems. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2022/1/01