Values In Evaluation And Social Research

Using the tools of philosophy and the insights from evaluation practice thisbook examines the concept of values in program evaluation. The authors analyzefour v... » 

Using the tools of philosophy and the insights from evaluation practice thisbook examines the concept of values in program evaluation. The authors analyzefour views of facts and values in evaluation those rooted in a factvaluedichotomy those of radical constructivists those of postmodernists and thoseof deliberative democrats. The arguments are tough the explanations conciseand the insights compelling.Goes well beyong recognizing that all data gathering and description are valueladen. The authors of this book examine the ethical and political burdensaccompanying any evaluation contract. House has gained a reputation inprofessional exchanges as an advocate of the underprivileged. Out of anextended collaboration Howe and House together redirect their advocacy towardsthe pursuit of democracy Robert E Stake University of Illinois UrbanaA breakthrough book that will change the way evaluators think about therelationship between facts and values. The authors attack the inconsistenciesin current thinking about the interplay of facts and values and give us anoutline for reconstituting the approach to values within evaluation Gary THenry Georgia State University «