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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Program Evaluation
Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: 3 Peer review articles that address the selection of your topic. (You may use 1 textbook). Identify and discuss a theoretical framework that supports your investigation. (Suggested length 3 pages).
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Program evaluation is an important process that helps assess the effectiveness of programs and policies in achieving their intended outcomes. To conduct a successful program evaluation, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the relevant literature and theoretical framework that underpins the program or policy in question. In this essay, I will discuss the selection of my topic by reviewing three peer-reviewed articles and one textbook. I will also identify and discuss the theoretical framework that supports my investigation.
The first peer-reviewed article that I reviewed was “Program Evaluation: A Comprehensive Guide” by David Royse et al. (2015). This article provided a comprehensive overview of program evaluation, including different types of evaluations, methods, and ethical considerations. It also highlighted the importance of using a theory-driven approach to program evaluation, which involves selecting a theoretical framework that can guide the evaluation process. This article was particularly helpful in guiding my understanding of the key concepts and approaches to program evaluation.
The second peer-reviewed article that I reviewed was “The Logic Model Guidebook: Better Strategies for Great Results” by Lisa Wyatt Knowlton and Cynthia C. Phillips (2013). This article provided a practical guide to developing a logic model, which is a visual representation of the program or policy being evaluated, its activities, outputs, and outcomes. The logic model is a useful tool in program evaluation as it helps identify the underlying assumptions and causal pathways that link program activities to desired outcomes. This article helped me understand the importance of developing a logic model to guide the evaluation process.
The third peer-reviewed article that I reviewed was “Utilization-Focused Evaluation” by Michael Quinn Patton (2018). This article emphasized the importance of focusing on the intended users of the evaluation, such as program stakeholders, in designing and conducting the evaluation. It also highlighted the importance of using a participatory approach, where program stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process. This article helped me understand the importance of involving stakeholders in the evaluation process and using their feedback to improve program effectiveness.
The textbook that I reviewed was “Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications” by Daniel L. Stufflebeam and Chris L. S. Coryn (2014). This textbook provided an in-depth exploration of different evaluation models, theories, and applications. It highlighted the importance of using a theory-driven approach to evaluation and the different types of theories that can inform program evaluation, such as program theory, logic models, and causal models. This textbook helped me understand the importance of selecting a theoretical framework to guide the evaluation process and the different types of theories that can inform program evaluation.
Based on my review of the literature, the theoretical framework that supports my investigation is the program theory, which involves developing a theory of change that explains how program activities lead to desired outcomes. The program theory is useful in guiding the evaluation process by identifying the underlying assumptions and causal pathways that link program activities to desired outcomes. By using a program theory, I will be able to identify the key program activities, outputs, and outcomes that need to be evaluated and the specific indicators and measures that will be used to assess program effectiveness.
In conclusion, program evaluation is an essential process that helps assess the effectiveness of programs and policies. To conduct a successful program evaluation, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the relevant literature and theoretical framework that underpins the program or policy in question. By reviewing three peer-reviewed articles and one textbook, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the key concepts and approaches to program evaluation and select a theoretical framework that supports my investigation.
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