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Session Title: Storytelling as a Technique to Communicate Evaluation Results in Cluster and Multi-site Evaluations
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Panel Session 590 to be held in Sebastian Section I3 on Friday, Nov 13, 3:35 PM to 4:20 PM
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Sponsored by the Cluster, Multi-site and Multi-level Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Karen Debrot, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bol6@cdc.gov
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| Abstract:
There are two types of data: quantitative and qualitative. Evaluation uses both to describe the progress programs make in achieving their goals and objectives. One particular evaluative method that includes both types of data is storytelling. Storytelling uses qualitative data to describe the context and effects of the program and quantitative data to describe the size of the program and its effects. Storytelling is especially useful in cluster and multi-site evaluations where programs vary from site to site, yet have underlying commonalities. This session will describe the process of storytelling and demonstrate how storytelling can successfully be used in both cluster and multi-site evaluations.
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Success Stories: A Way to Communicate Evaluation Findings
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| Karen Debrot, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bol6@cdc.gov
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Program evaluation is used to assess the value or worth of health programs by assessing programs' progress in achieving their goals and objectives over time. Program evaluation begins with a clear description of the program, its goals, and objectives. This provides the framework for deciding what evaluation questions to ask. Another step in the evaluation process generally involves systematic data collection and analysis of quantitative data for comparing obtained results with expected results. Communicating these results in a way that stakeholders can understand is an important piece of the evaluation process. If results are not understood, they are unlikely to be used to support and improve a program. Success stories are a simple way to describe a program's progress and achievements over time. This presentation will describe common elements collected for writing success stories, as well as methods for collecting these elements.
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What's in a story? Giving a Voice to Multi-site Programs
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| Rene Lavinghouze, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rlavinghouze@cdc.gov
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An outgrowth of naturalistic design, narrative evaluations do not control variations among sites but rather celebrate the testing of logical connections and contextual parameters through stories. In 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a funding opportunity for infrastructure development. Programs were loosely linked around a common goal and broad performance measures. The intent of the evaluation was to determine whether and how infrastructure development facilitated progress on health outcomes. The dilemma was how to test theory amongst diverse programs with varied implementation strategies. The use of narrative often facilitates the shaping of the initiative by discerning possible linkages among program strategies, contexts and results. This can help stakeholders formulate the next evolutionary step for projects as well as the initiative as a whole. An example of an integrative story will be provided and a discussion of how a model was developed through the analysis of the stories.
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