Utilization-Focused Evaluation

By Michael Q. Patton

The second edition of Patton's classic text retains the practical advice, based on empirical observation and evaluation theory, of the original. It shows how to conduct an evaluation, from beginning to end, in a way that will be useful -- and actually used. Patton believes that evaluation epitomizes the challenges of producing and using information in the information age. His latest book includes new stories, new examples, new research findings, and more of Patton's evaluation humour. He adds to the original book's insights and analyses of the changes in evaluation during the past decade, including: the emergence of evaluation as a field of professional practice; articulation of standards for evaluation; a methodological synthesis of the qualitative versus quantitative debate; the tremendous growth of 'in-house' evaluations; and the cross-cultural development of evaluation as a profession. This edition also incorporates the considerable research done on utilization during the last ten years. Patton integrates diverse findings into a coherent framework which includes: articulation of utilization-focused evaluation premises; examination of the stakeholder assumption; and clarification of the meaning of utilization.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803909810
• ISBN13: 9780803909816
• Release Date: April 1978
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 303 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Utilization Focused Evaluation

Overall the book provides an excellent overview of the different evaluation methods as well as offering significant tips on helping both internal and external program evaluators. The book is ideal for graduate students as well as evaluators just entering the field. In addition, it provides non-profit evaluation departments with an excellent foundation on developing more effective internal quality improvement units within their own organizations.