Small-Scale Evaluation: Principles and Practice

Evaluation research can assess the value and effectiveness of interventions and innovations involving people. While this has often been on a grand scale, this book focuses on small-scale projects carried out by an individual or small group, typically lasting for weeks or at most a few months, at a local rather than national level. Using limited jargon and featuring integrated, real-world examples, this second edition offers a clear, accessible background to evaluation and prepares you to undertake your own small-scale evaluation research project. Key features include discussion of: Different approaches to evaluation and how to choose between them The advantages and disadvantages of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) Realist evaluation and its increasing importance The centrality of ethical and political issues The influence and opportunity of the Internet   Tightly focused on the realities of carrying out small-scale evaluation, Small-Scale Evaluation is a highly practical guide covering the needs of both social scientists and others without this background. Colin Robson is an Emeritus Professor in the School of Human & Health Sciences at the University of Huddersfield.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction Who is the book for? What do you need to be able to carry out an evaluation? Evaluation research Small-scale evaluation research The literature search The Internet Using the book A note on ′Tasks′ Chapter 2: Evaluation: The What and the Why What is evaluation? Why evaluate? Evaluation and social research What do they think they want? What are they going to find credible? Chapter 3: The Advantages of Collaboration Stakeholders Other models of involvement Using consultants Persuading others to be involved When is some form of participatory evaluation indicated? Chapter 4: Evaluation Designs Different approaches to evaluation Needs assessment Outcome evaluation Process evaluation Combining process and outcome approaches Formative and summative evaluation Efficiency evaluation Reviews Program monitoring Theory-based evaluation An interim summing up Chapter 5: Designing Your Evaluation Reviewing the ′literature′ Research questions Methods of data collection Data quality Sampling Prespecified and emergent designs Doing a shoe-string evaluation Chapter 6: Ethical and Political Considerations Ethical issues The problem of unintended consequences Evaluations involving children and other vulnerable populations Ethical issues in online research Ethical boards and committees The politics of evaluation Chapter 7: Practicalities Time budgeting Gaining access Getting organized Getting help and support Chapter 8: Dealing with the Data Coding data Analysis and interpretation of quantitative data Analysis and interpretation of qualitative data Chapter 9: Communicating the Findings Evaluation reports Facilitating the implementation of evaluation findings Chapter 10: Taking it further Further reading Postscript Appendix A: Chapter Tasks Appendix B: Simple Evaluations