| Session Title: Theories of Evaluation TIG Business Meeting and Presentation: Evaluation Theory: Consolidate it, Nurture it, Learn it, and Teach it. But How? |
| Business Meeting Session 660 to be held in Liberty Ballroom Section B on Friday, November 9, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Theories of Evaluation TIG |
| TIG Leader(s): |
| Bernadette Campbell, Carleton University, bernadette_campbell@carleton.ca |
| Presenter(s): |
| Bernadette Campbell, Carleton University, bernadette_campbell@carleton.ca |
| Marvin Alkin, University of California, Los Angeles, alkin@gseis.ucla.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Melvin Mark, Pennsylvania State University, m5m@psu.edu |
| William Shadish, University of California, Merced, wshadish@ucmerced.edu |
| Abstract: Much discussion in recent (and not so recent) years has centered on what is wrong with or missing from evaluation theory. Ten years ago, in his AEA presidential address, Will Shadish declared that “evaluation theory is who we are”, and he encouraged us to “consolidate it, nurture it, learn it, and teach it”. Perhaps easier said than done. Some of the problems with evaluation theory debated recently include (but are not limited to), (a) the predominance of prescriptive vs. descriptive theory, (b) the lack of contingency theories for practice, (c) an unhealthy (and perhaps uncritical) focus on specific “brand-named” evaluation approaches in contrast to a focus on better understanding the important issues facing the field, and (d) wide variability in the profession in formal and informal training in evaluation theory. A convincing case has been made for the importance of developing better evaluation theory, and for recognizing the centrality of theory to our field. What we need now are specific ideas about how precisely to consolidate, nurture, learn, and teach evaluation theory. In this panel discussion, we ask a group of prominent evaluation theorists to begin laying some of the more specific groundwork for carrying out Shadish’s inspirational charge. Following a brief presentation outlining the central issues with respect to evaluation theory development, discussants will share their thoughts about what it is going to take to advance evaluation theory along any or all of the lines suggested by Shadish. What are some of the specific barriers that we are facing? And what are some suggestions for beginning to overcome these barriers? |