| Session Title: Towards an Evolutionary Approach to Evaluating Policies and Programs: Moving Beyond Policies and Programs as the Unit of Analysis |
| Expert Lecture Session 639 to be held in Capitol Ballroom Section 4 on Friday, Nov 7, 3:25 PM to 4:10 PM |
| Sponsored by the Program Theory and Theory-driven Evaluation TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Melvin Mark, Pennsylvania State University, m5m@psu.edu |
| Presenter(s): |
| Sanjeev Sridharan, University of Edinburgh, sanjeev.sridharan@ed.ac.uk |
| Abstract: This talk is informed by conceptualizing policing (and programs) from a realist perspective. Such a perspective encourages a move beyond policies as the unit of analysis the focus instead is on the underlying program/policy theory. The starting point for the talk is the recognition that most evaluations are unlikely to influence policy if certain conditions are not met these conditions are identified and discussed within the context of ongoing evaluations of anticipatory care policy initiatives that have recently been implemented in Scotland. These interventions aim to reduce health inequalities. This presentation will explore four questions: - What are design implications of moving beyond policies as the unit of analysis? - What are the pathways by which evaluations can help impact fu? - Should interventions and evaluations be discontinued if these conditions are not met? - How should evaluations be commissioned in light of answers to the above questions? The above questions are discussed within a theory of influence of evaluations. |