Practical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation

Dr. Bernadette Wright is founder of Meaningful Evidence, where she helps nonprofits to use social research to make a bigger difference. She works with organizations in the areas of health, human services, housing, and education. She has delivered dozens of evaluation related workshops and webinars at local, national, and international events. Before starting her own business, Dr. Wright was Consultant at The Lewin Group, where she conducted and managed research on aging and disability issues for federal clients. Before that, she was Policy Research Analyst at AARP Public Policy Institute, where she analyzed proposed legislation and regulations and developed publications on supportive services and community living. In her early career, she was Senior Evaluation Specialist at the Baltimore Mayor's Office of Employment Development. She earned her PhD in public policy/program evaluation from the University of Maryland. She is passionate about advancing equity and social justice. Dr. Wallis was a Fulbright alumnus, international visiting professor, award-wining scholar, and Executive Coordinator at ASK MATT Solutions. An interdisciplinary thinker, his publications covered a range of fields including psychology, ethics, science, management, organizational learning, entrepreneurship, and policy with dozens of publications, hundreds of citations, and many international co-authors. In addition, he supported doctoral candidates at Capella University in the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Following a career in corrosion control, he earned his PhD at Fielding Graduate University and took early retirement to pursue his passion - leveraging innovative insights to advance science for the betterment of the world.

Preface Overview and Map of the Book Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1 * Three Dimensions of Knowledge for Solving Complex Problems: Meaning, Data, & Logic Toward Better Maps for Solving Complex Problems Three Dimensions of Knowledge Putting the Dimensions Together Right of Way: Research Ethics Chapter 1 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Chapter 2 * Meaning: A Collaborative Mapping Approach The Road Ahead Uses for Collaborative Mapping Milestones on the Road to Collaborative Mapping Dealing With Difficult Dynamics Gamified Approach to Collaborative Mapping Case Study: Mapping a Regional Energy Coalition Chapter 2 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Chapter 3 * Data: Mapping From Related Research and Materials Uses for Mapping From Existing Research Steps to Mapping From Existing Research Mapping From Program Materials Case Study: Mapping From Program Materials Chapter 3 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Chapter 4 * Mapping From Your Own Research The Road Ahead Developing Research Questions for Better Maps Specifying Methods to Answer Your Research Questions Focus on Conducting Interviews Organizing Your Research Findings Reporting and Presenting Your Research Chapter 4 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Chapter 5 * Logic: Evaluating the Structure of Maps The Well-Built Road Our Evolving Understanding of Knowledge Maps Measuring the Structure of Maps Comparing and Improving Maps Case Study: Evaluating The Structure of Entrepreneurship Theories More Views of Structure Chapter 5 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Chapter 6 * Collaborating With Other Researchers The Fragmented World of Social Sciences Putting The Pieces Together Integration, Acceleration, Solution! Finding People, Finding Maps Case Study: Collaboration Among Researchers Chapter 6 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Chapter 7 * Communication, Collaboration, and Action The Road Ahead Tools for Making Maps Making Presentations Guiding Conversations Around a Map Action Planning Tracking Results Chapter 7 Key Points Frequently Asked Questions Further Exploration Appendix A: Advanced Strategies for Making Maps More Useful Bridges Time Core and Belt Looking for Sub-Structures Travelling From Optimism to Reality Scale of Abstraction Reducing Redundancy Unanticipated Consequences Inter-Mapper Consistency Off the Shelf Further Exploration Appendix B: Sample Report Appendix C: Some Research Methods for Building Better Maps Research Strategies For Finding Data Research Strategies For Creating and Expanding Maps Further Exploration Glossary Index

"This book should be in the toolbox for all program evaluators as the focus is on collaborative work with community members and results in action. It is an excellent resource for all researchers who involve community members in solving problems. As an evaluator who works with community members and teaches evaluation at the graduate level, I will use this book as the "go-to resource" for developing maps that can solve complex problems. This book uses a collaborative approach to mapping that can be used in all areas of research." -- Krisanna Machtmes "This book is a powerful guide to aid researchers and practitioners in decision-making." -- andra Schrouder