| Session Title: Influence of Evaluator's and Client's Values on Process Evaluation of Low Income Energy Efficiency Program |
| Multipaper Session 288 to be held in Palos Verdes A on Thursday, Nov 3, 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Sponsored by the Environmental Program Evaluation TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Kara Crohn, Research Into Action, karac@researchintoaction.com |
| Abstract: This session builds on previous research on the influence of evaluators' principles on resource allocation decisions. The first presentation will describe how the research was used to develop a post-evaluation self-assessment of the influence of the evaluator's values on an evaluation of the California Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEE) now known as Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP) and how the evaluator sought to balance those values with stakeholder needs and contextual factors. The second presenter is a client of the evaluation and is experienced in evaluation of energy efficiency programs. In addition to offering commentary on the evaluator's self-assessment, she will provide an understanding of utility and stakeholder evaluation needs, important contextual considerations, and a discussion of values and principles that influence her work at the utility. |
| A Self-Assessment of the Influence of Evaluator's Values on Process Evaluation of Low Income Energy Efficiency Program: |
| Kara Crohn, Research Into Action, karac@researchintoaction.com |
| This presentation builds on Crohn's doctoral research presented at AEA in 2009 on the ways in which evaluators' principles influence resources decisions. The premise is that, as evaluators, we hold certain principles (enacted values) that guide our practice, as do the clients we serve. Where the previous research was based on a case study, this presentation extends the research through a post-evaluation assessment of principles enacted during the process evaluation of the California Low Income Energy Efficiency program (LIEE), now known as Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP). Crohn will describe the various resources engaged during the evaluation and sources of influence on the evaluation and present a self-assessment of principles applied during the evaluation based on criteria developed for the dissertation research. Discussion will focus on how those principles influenced the evaluation process and ways Crohn sought to balance the influence of those principles with contextual and stakeholder needs. |
| Commentary on the Influence of Evaluator's and Client's Values on Process Evaluation of Low Income Energy Efficiency Program |
| Carol Edwards, Southern California Edison, carol.edwards@sce.com |
| Edwards holds a unique role as both a person engaged in evaluation activity at Southern California Edison (SCE) and as a client of this evaluation. Edwards' presentation will provide context for understanding the needs and demands of evaluation work at an investor-owned utility. She will offer commentary on Crohn's analysis and discuss the interplay between evaluator, client, and stakeholders in the LIEE evaluation. Edwards will also discuss the ways in which her values and principles influence her work on the LIEE program and her evaluation work at SCE more broadly. In her current role at SCE, Edwards draws on her rich background in educational program evaluation and doctoral research that explored the psychological, motivational, social influences on highly successful and creative people. |