Program Evaluation : Methods and Case Studies

This text provides a solid foundation in program evaluation, covering the main components of evaluating agencies and their programs, how best to address those components, and the procedures to follow when conducting evaluations. Different models and approaches are paired with practical techniques, such as how to plan an interview to collect qualitative data and how to use statistical analyses to report results. In every chapter, case studies provide real world examples of evaluations broken down into the main elements of program evaluation: the needs that led to the program, the implementation of program plans, the people connected to the program, unexpected side effects, the role of evaluators in improving programs, the results, and the factors behind the results. In addition, the story of one of the evaluators involved in each case study is presented to show the human side of evaluation.

The Ninth Edition offers enhanced and expanded case studies, making them a central organizing theme, and adds more international examples. The new edition also features online resources with an instructor test bank, sample program evaluation reports, and additional annotated resources.

Kenneth J. Linfield is Professor and Director of Graduate Training in the School of Professional Psychology at Spalding University in Louisville, KY, USA where he teaches the Program Evaluation course in the doctoral Clinical Psychology program.

Emil J. Posavac is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Loyola University of Chicago, USA where he served as director of the Applied Social Psychology Graduate Program and chairman of the Psychology Department.