Evaluation Theories
Evaluation theories are akin to military strategy and tactics. A good evaluator needs theories to choose and deploy methods. The evaluator is concerned with models and theories of evaluation. The major streams of evaluation are: why theories matter, frameworks for classifying multiple theories, in-depth examination of 4-6 major theories, identification of key issues on which evaluation theories and models differ, benefits and risks of relying heavily on any one theory, and tools and skills that can help you in picking and choosing from different theoretical perspectives in planning an evaluation in a specific context.
The main theme is practice implications. One of the earliest formal evaluation activities was the effectiveness of lime juice in preventing scurvy in sailors- commissioned by the British navy in the 18th Century. FitzPatrick, Sanders and Worthern identified 60 different evaluation models between 1960-1990. Different evaluation theories will be based on different assumptions about the way the world works, therefore the models and practices based on those theories will be different as well.
The theories fall on a continuum from objective to subjective. Objectivism deals with data collection and analysis that produces reproducible and verifiable results that generate conclusions that are evidence-based and can be scientifically justified. Subjectivism is based more on experience rather than the scientific method. Objectivism is criticized because its validity depends on its scientific methodology and is only credible if you happen to value that method. Objectivism is said to conceal hidden values and biases of which many evaluators are unaware.
Different theoretical approaches can be distinguished based on how value is defined and how judgments are made. Here the continuum goes from “utilitarian” to ”intuitionist-pluralist.“ Utilitarianism is concerned with maximizing happiness in society. The key is that the best programs are those that result in the most good for the most people. The evaluator assesses the overall impact in terms of group gains by using outcome scores against the criteria selected to calculate worth. These types of evaluations have been successful for governments, the public sector, managers, and public program administrators because they are conducive to large-scale comparisons of programs and large amounts of information. FitzPatrick reports that the intuitionist-pluralist approach is based on the assumption that value comes from the impact of a program on each individual and the greatest good is that which increases the benefits of all stakeholders. The focus is on the distribution of gains or distribution of benefit across stakeholders. The evaluator is a portrayer of different values and needs.
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