Download or read book Evaluating and Valuing in Social Research written by Thomas A. Schwandt and published by Guilford Publications. This book was released on 2021-09-17 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much applied research takes place as if complex social problems--and evaluations of interventions to address them--can be dealt with in a purely technical way. In contrast, this groundbreaking book offers an alternative approach that incorporates sustained, systematic reflection about researchers' values, what values research promotes, how decisions about what to value are made and by whom, and how judging the value of social interventions takes place. The authors offer practical and conceptual guidance to help researchers engage meaningfully with value conflicts and refine their capacity to engage in deliberative argumentation. Pedagogical features include a detailed evaluation case, "Bridge to Practice" exercises and annotated resources in most chapters, and an end-of-book glossary.
Download or read book Values in Evaluation and Social Research written by Ernest R. House and published by SAGE. This book was released on 1999-08-03 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Values in Evaluation and Social Research provides a compelling examination of the concept of values in program evaluation.
Download or read book Program Evaluation in Social Research written by Jonathan A. Morell and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2016-06-06 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Program Evaluation in Social Research presents a plan for developing evaluation into a form of applied social research that is methodologically sound, relevant to the problems of society, and built on a technological (as opposed to a scientific) model. Evaluation as applied, relevant social research and as social technology is described, along with its validity and usefulness. This book is comprised of eight chapters and opens with a discussion on the consequences of program evaluation for the conduct of social research and for society at large, and how evaluation can be made into a method of generating practical and powerful suggestions for planning successful social programs. The concept of "outcome evaluation" is also organized into meaningful categories which can be used for the intelligent planning of appropriate evaluation activities. The following chapters consider the types of evaluation that are carried out, the relative merits of each type, and how to optimize the validity and utility of each type. Evaluation as a technological, rather than a scientific, pursuit is also discussed. The remaining chapters focus on the frictions that arise during the implementation of program evaluation; program evaluation as a profession; and how evaluation can be developed into a relevant and powerful method of guiding the course of social innovations. This monograph will appeal to sociologists, social scientists, and social researchers.
Download or read book Transformative Research and Evaluation written by Donna M. Mertens and published by Guilford Press. This book was released on 2008-10-29 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From distinguished scholar Donna M. Mertens, this core book provides a framework for making methodological decisions and conducting research and evaluations that promote social justice. The transformative paradigm has emerged from - and guides - a broad range of social and behavioral science research projects with communities that have been pushed to the margins, such as ethnic, racial, and sexual minority group members and children and adults with disabilities. Mertens shows how to formulate research questions based on community needs, develop researcher-community partnerships grounded in trust and respect, and skillfully apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection strategies. Practical aspects of analyzing and reporting results are addressed, and numerous sample studies are presented. An ideal core book for graduate courses, or practitioner resource, the book includes: Commentary on the sample studies that explains what makes them transformative. Explanations of key concepts related to oppression, social justice, and the role of research and evaluation. Questions for Thought to stimulate critical self-reflection and discussion. Advance chapter organizers and chapter summaries. The book is intended for graduate students in psychology, education, social work, sociology, and nursing, as well as practicing researchers and program evaluators. It will serve as a core book or supplement in Research Methods, Program Evaluation, and Community Psychology courses.
Download or read book Evaluating Social Science Research written by Thomas R. Black and published by SAGE. This book was released on 1993-11-22 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume offers students a basic introduction to assessing the meaning and validity of research in the social sciences and related fields. The ability to "read "published research critically is essential and is different from the skills involved in "undertaking "research using statistical analysis. Thomas R Black explains in clear and straightforward terms how students can evaluate research, with particular emphasis on research involving some aspect of measurement. The coverage of fundamental concepts is comprehensive and supports topics including research design, data collection and data analysis by addressing the following major issues: Are the questions and hypotheses advanced appropriate and testable? Is the research design sufficient for the hypothesis? Are the data gathered valid, reliable and objective? Are the statistical techniques used to analyze the data appropriate and do they support the conclusions reached?
Download or read book The Evaluation of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities written by Andrea Bonaccorsi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-01-04 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines very important issues in research evaluation in the Social Sciences and Humanities. It is based on recent experiences carried out in Italy (2011-2015) in the fields of research assessment, peer review, journal classification, and construction of indicators, and presents a systematic review of theoretical issues influencing the evaluation of Social Sciences and Humanities. Several chapters analyse original data made available through research assessment exercises. Other chapters are the result of dedicated and independent research carried out in 2014-2015 aimed at addressing some of the debated and open issues, for example in the evaluation of books, the use of Library Catalog Analysis or Google Scholar, the definition of research quality criteria on internationalization, as well as opening the way to innovative indicators. The book is therefore a timely and important contribution to the international debate.
Download or read book Designing and Constructing Instruments for Social Research and Evaluation written by David Colton and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-06-22 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written in easy-to-understand language, this important text provides a systematic and commonsense approach to developing instruments for data collection and analysis. This book can be used by both those who are developing instruments for the first time and those who want to hone their skills, including students, agency personnel, program managers, and researchers. This book provides a thorough presentation of instrument construction, from conception to development and pre-testing of items, formatting the instrument, administration, and, finally, data management and presentation of the findings. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize how to create an instrument that will produce trustworthy and accurate data. To that end they have included guidelines for reviewing and revising the questionnaire to enhance validity and reliability. They also show how to work effectively with stakeholders such as instruments designers, decision-makers, agency personnel, clients, and raters or respondents.
Download or read book Social Work Research and Evaluation written by Richard M. Grinnell, Jr. and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2010-08-26 with total page 1196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over thirty years of input from instructors and students have gone into this popular research methods text, resulting in a refined ninth edition that is easier to read, understand, and apply than ever before. Using unintimidating language and real-world examples, it introduces students to the key concepts of evidence-based practice that they will use throughout their professional careers. It emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, data collection methods, and data analysis, providing students with the tools they need to become evidence-based practitioners.
Download or read book An Introduction to Evaluation written by Chris Fox and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2016-10-18 with total page 323 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Both practical and theoretical in approach, this book is the perfect companion for student researchers and policy makers alike. It provides actionable advice for planning and implementing evaluations, while also instilling an ability to assess the evaluations of others and consider the ways in which evaluation evidence could influence policy and practice. Drawing upon a wide range of examples from policy areas like education, criminal justice, and health and social care, this book showcases how evaluation is an interdisciplinary research practice with a spectrum of applications. Each chapter contains philosophical underpinnings and applied knowledge as well as examples from published evaluations. Specific topics include how to: Choose an approach to evaluation Plan, design, and conduct evaluations Approach evaluations using theories of change Differentiate between process, impact, and economic evaluations Understand the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection Use systematic reviews and other tools to assess and disseminate evaluation findings From getting started in the field to turning evidence into policy, this book will guide you through every step of the evaluation process.
Download or read book Improving Survey Questions written by Floyd J. Fowler and published by SAGE. This book was released on 1995-07-21 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Questions as Measures An Overview Designing Questions to Gather Factual Data Questions to Measure Subjective States Some General Rules for Designing Good Survey Instruments Presurvey Evaluation of Questions Assessing the Validity of Survey Questions Question Design and Evaluation Issues in Perspective.
Download or read book The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods written by Leonard Bickman and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2009 with total page 681 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Handbook addresses the methodology of social science research and the appropriate use of different methods.
Download or read book Evaluation and Social Research written by Irene Hall and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2017-03-14 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Evaluation is a large and growing field with applications to a wide range of disciplines - including sociology, social work, social policy, psychology, health, nursing, education, community development, etc. This text explains the different perspectives and needs of researchers and practitioners at the local level in plain, accessible English and develops a model for small scale evaluation. It offers a practical approach to the challenges of evaluation research, well illustrated with examples, and suitable for students and practitioners alike.
Download or read book Social Work Research and Evaluation written by Richard M. Grinnell and published by Wadsworth. This book was released on 1985 with total page 558 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Handbook of Social Research Ethics written by Donna M. Mertens and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2009 with total page 689 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Brings together international scholars across the social and behavioural sciences and education to address those ethical issues that arise in the theory and practice of research within the technologically advancing and culturally complex world in which we live.
Download or read book Feminist Evaluation and Research written by Sharon Brisolara and published by Guilford Publications. This book was released on 2014-03-31 with total page 385 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thought-provoking book explores the 'whats,' 'whys,' and 'hows' of integrating feminist theory and methods into applied research and evaluation practice. Illustrative cases drawn from U.S. and international studies address a range of social and health issues. The book provides an overview of feminist theory and research strategies as well as detailed discussions of how to use a feminist lens, practical steps and challenges in implementation, and what feminist methods contribute to research and evaluation projects. Reflections at the close of each section invite the reader to consider key questions and common themes across the chapters. With a focus on social justice models, the book covers ways to conduct feminist research and evaluation in effective, innovative, and culturally competent ways in diverse social and cultural contexts.
Download or read book Research and Evaluation in Education and the Social Sciences written by Mary Lee Smith and published by Allyn & Bacon. This book was released on 1987 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mary Lee Smith is an American researcher and academic, whose work spanned across fields from psychology, to research methodology, to education reform. She is a Regents' Professor Emeritus of education policy and measurement, statistics, and research methodology at Arizona State University. Smith, along with Gene Glass, were known for their pioneering work in using meta-analyses for reporting research outcomes. Smith attended the University of Colorado Boulder on a scholarship for her undergraduate studies. Going against advice to become a high school teacher, Smith returned to the University of Colorado Boulder to earn a PhD in counseling psychology. Following her doctorate, Smith joined the faculty at the University of Colorado in research methodology. There, she worked closely with Gene Glass in incorporating meta-analyses into research. Interviews conducted by Morton Hunt revealed that Smith worked along Glass in locating the studies, constructing the sample, assessing the materials, coding, and calculating effect sizes. Smith and Glass were later co-principal investigators on several important studies using meta-analyses in psychology, and together with Thomas Miller, published the book Benefits of Psychotherapy in 1980. Later on, Smith became a faculty member at Arizona State University, where her research interests focused on school and education policy. She has published numerous publications on education policy, and published the book, Political Spectacle and the Fate of American Schools in 2003--Wikipedia.
Download or read book Handbook of Social Policy Evaluation written by Bent Greve and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2017-03-31 with total page 574 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Handbook uses methodologies and cases to discover how and when to evaluate social policy, and looks at the possible impacts of evaluation on social policy decisions. The contributors present a detailed analysis on how to conduct social policy evaluation, how to be aware of pitfalls and dilemmas and how to use evidence effectively.
