| Session Title: Using Values in the Evaluation of Culturally Specific Programs: A New Tool for Assessing the Impact of Programs That Seek to Align the Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Participants to Those of Role Models and Mentors |
| Demonstration Session 270 to be held in Carmel on Thursday, Nov 3, 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Sponsored by the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health TIG and the International and Cross-cultural Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Trena Anastasia, University of Wyoming, tanastas@uwyo.edu |
| Rodney Wambeam, University of Wyoming, rodney@uwyo.edu |
| Abstract: In this demonstration presenters will walk attendees through the steps used to create an evaluation tool that measures participant and mentor values, beliefs, and attitudes. Using a pre/post-test design, researchers analyze results to determine how much program participants move toward sharing the culture of their mentors and role models. Unlike traditional program evaluations that measure change in a predetermined direction defined by researchers or program developers, this technique allows cultural groups and mentoring programs to define positive change through the evaluation process. The strength of this tool lies in its ability to account for cultural differences and the values of program participants and leaders. Potential application includes peer mentoring, tribal, and minority group evaluations whose goal is to improve social outcomes by having youth embrace traditional cultures. |