Thoroughly revised and updated, this engaging text has given thousands of students and new evaluators the practical information and expert advice needed to conduct or use evaluations. In 26 concise sections, the book describes how to articulate answerable evaluation questions, collect and analyze data using both quantitative and qualitative methods, and deal with contingencies that might alter the traditional sequence of an evaluation. Special strengths of the text are its attention to individual, organizational, and community culture and emphasis on building collaborative relationships with stakeholders. An in-depth case study and related end-of-section exercises (including group activities) help students put themselves in the evaluator role. Other pedagogical features include section titles written as questions, bulleted recaps of each section, "Thinking Ahead" and "Next Steps" pointers, cautionary notes, and suggestions for further reading. New to This Edition *New and expanded topics: evaluation contracts, budgeting, surveys, data visualization, qualitative coding and memoing, factors affecting evaluation use, and context-sensitive evaluation. *Revised case study with extended exercises that guide the reader to complete a simulated evaluation. *End-of-section "Quick Read" links to recommended American Evaluation Association blog posts. *Four entirely new sections (such as "How Do You Strengthen Relationships with Stakeholders?" and "How Do We Plan a Process-Focused Evaluation Design?"), plus other changes and additions throughout.

Thoroughly revised to incorporate recent research on evaluation and new examples of good practice, the third edition of this highly practical text provides an original framework for planning and conducting evaluations in real-world educational, organizational, and social service settings. Owen helps students and practitioners compare and select from an array of evaluation approaches, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. Retaining the issues-driven perspective that made previous editions so popular, the third edition includes a new chapter on evaluation management and new sections on negotiation theory, evidence-based practice, performance auditing and management, and realistic evaluation. Owen illustrates the evaluation process using a rich variety of examples drawn from education, social service, health, and corporate settings in North America and around the world.