Focusing on ethical challenges in program evaluation, this innovative book features six case-study scenarios that end at a point where the evaluator faces a significant decision about how to proceed. For each case, two distinguished evaluators offer insights on the best course of action to choose, and why. ""What If?"" boxes modify the details of the scenarios, inviting readers to reflect on whether these changes alter the ethical implications of the case. Six additional cases are presented with questions that guide readers to develop their own ethical analyses. The book is organized to follow the progress of an evaluation, from the entry/contracting phase through the utilization of results.
1. Ethics and Evaluation 2. The Entry/Contracting Stage Scenario 1: The Coordination Project Commentary: Consumers, Culture, and Validity, Karen E. Kirkhart Commentary: Whose Evaluation Is It, Anyway?, David M. Chavis What If...? Final Thoughts: The Coordination Project Scenario 2: Just Say No? Questions to Consider 3. Designing the Evaluation Scenario 1: The Damp Parade? Commentary: Everybody Talks about the Weather..., Melvin M. Mark Commentary: No Rain Today, Gail V. Barrington What If...? Final Thoughts: The Damp Parade Scenario 2: What's under the Rock? Questions to Consider 4. Data Collection Scenario 1: The Folder Commentary: Hold 'Em or Fold(er) 'Em?: What's an Evaluator to Do?, Michael Hendricks Commentary: Centering the Folder, sarita davis What If.....? Final Thoughts: The Folder Scenario 2: Hideout Questions to Consider 5. Data Analysis and Interpretation Scenario 1: Knock, Knock, What's There? Commentary: What's There: Confidence or Competence?, Leslie J. Cooksy Commentary: Interpreting Effects, William R. Shadish What If...? Final Thoughts: Knock, Knock, What's There? Scenario 2: Things Happen Questions to Consider 6. Communication of Results Scenario 1: Mainstream Commentary: Mainstreaming Process Evaluation: Ethical Issues in Reporting Interim Results, Mary Ann Scheirer Commentary: Reporting Bad News: Challenges and Opportunities in an Ethical Dilemma, Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar and Lucia Orellana-Damacela What If...? Final Thoughts: Mainstream Scenario 2: Whose Voices? Questions to Consider 7. Utilization of Results Scenario 1: Nightly News Commentary: Fixing the Spin on Evaluation, Laura C. Leviton Commentary: From Substance Abuse to Evaluation Misuse: Is There a Way Out?, Sharon F. Rallis What If...? Final Thoughts: Nightly News Scenario 2: Is My Job Done Yet? Questions to Consider 8. Lessons Learned Appendix A. The Guiding Principles for Evaluators Appendix B. The Program Evaluation Standards, Second Edition
