Evaluating and Valuing in Social Research
Evaluating and Valuing in Social Research

Author: Thomas A. Schwandt

Publisher: Guilford Publications

Published: 2021-09-17

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 146254732X

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Much applied research takes place as if complex social problems--and evaluations of interventions to address them--can be dealt with in a purely technical way. In contrast, this groundbreaking book offers an alternative approach that incorporates sustained, systematic reflection about researchers' values, what values research promotes, how decisions about what to value are made and by whom, and how judging the value of social interventions takes place. The authors offer practical and conceptual guidance to help researchers engage meaningfully with value conflicts and refine their capacity to engage in deliberative argumentation. Pedagogical features include a detailed evaluation case, "Bridge to Practice" exercises and annotated resources in most chapters, and an end-of-book glossary.

Values in Evaluation and Social Research
Values in Evaluation and Social Research

Author: Ernest R. House

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 1999-08-03

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 9780761911555

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Values in Evaluation and Social Research provides a compelling examination of the concept of values in program evaluation.

Transformative Research and Evaluation
Transformative Research and Evaluation

Author: Donna M. Mertens

Publisher: Guilford Press

Published: 2008-10-29

Total Pages: 417

ISBN-13: 1593859856

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From distinguished scholar Donna M. Mertens, this core book provides a framework for making methodological decisions and conducting research and evaluations that promote social justice. The transformative paradigm has emerged from - and guides - a broad range of social and behavioral science research projects with communities that have been pushed to the margins, such as ethnic, racial, and sexual minority group members and children and adults with disabilities. Mertens shows how to formulate research questions based on community needs, develop researcher-community partnerships grounded in trust and respect, and skillfully apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection strategies. Practical aspects of analyzing and reporting results are addressed, and numerous sample studies are presented. An ideal core book for graduate courses, or practitioner resource, the book includes: Commentary on the sample studies that explains what makes them transformative. Explanations of key concepts related to oppression, social justice, and the role of research and evaluation. Questions for Thought to stimulate critical self-reflection and discussion. Advance chapter organizers and chapter summaries. The book is intended for graduate students in psychology, education, social work, sociology, and nursing, as well as practicing researchers and program evaluators. It will serve as a core book or supplement in Research Methods, Program Evaluation, and Community Psychology courses.

Evaluating Social Science Research
Evaluating Social Science Research

Author: Thomas R. Black

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 1993-11-22

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9781446227763

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This volume offers students a basic introduction to assessing the meaning and validity of research in the social sciences and related fields. The ability to "read "published research critically is essential and is different from the skills involved in "undertaking "research using statistical analysis. Thomas R Black explains in clear and straightforward terms how students can evaluate research, with particular emphasis on research involving some aspect of measurement. The coverage of fundamental concepts is comprehensive and supports topics including research design, data collection and data analysis by addressing the following major issues: Are the questions and hypotheses advanced appropriate and testable? Is the research design sufficient for the hypothesis? Are the data gathered valid, reliable and objective? Are the statistical techniques used to analyze the data appropriate and do they support the conclusions reached?

The Evaluation of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities
The Evaluation of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities

Author: Andrea Bonaccorsi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-01-04

Total Pages: 417

ISBN-13: 3319685546

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This book examines very important issues in research evaluation in the Social Sciences and Humanities. It is based on recent experiences carried out in Italy (2011-2015) in the fields of research assessment, peer review, journal classification, and construction of indicators, and presents a systematic review of theoretical issues influencing the evaluation of Social Sciences and Humanities. Several chapters analyse original data made available through research assessment exercises. Other chapters are the result of dedicated and independent research carried out in 2014-2015 aimed at addressing some of the debated and open issues, for example in the evaluation of books, the use of Library Catalog Analysis or Google Scholar, the definition of research quality criteria on internationalization, as well as opening the way to innovative indicators. The book is therefore a timely and important contribution to the international debate.

Designing and Constructing Instruments for Social Research and Evaluation
Designing and Constructing Instruments for Social Research and Evaluation

Author: David Colton

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-06-22

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1119177979

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Written in easy-to-understand language, this important text provides a systematic and commonsense approach to developing instruments for data collection and analysis. This book can be used by both those who are developing instruments for the first time and those who want to hone their skills, including students, agency personnel, program managers, and researchers. This book provides a thorough presentation of instrument construction, from conception to development and pre-testing of items, formatting the instrument, administration, and, finally, data management and presentation of the findings. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize how to create an instrument that will produce trustworthy and accurate data. To that end they have included guidelines for reviewing and revising the questionnaire to enhance validity and reliability. They also show how to work effectively with stakeholders such as instruments designers, decision-makers, agency personnel, clients, and raters or respondents.

Social Work Research and Evaluation
Social Work Research and Evaluation

Author: Richard M. Grinnell, Jr.

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2010-08-26

Total Pages: 1196

ISBN-13: 0199889899

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Over thirty years of input from instructors and students have gone into this popular research methods text, resulting in a refined ninth edition that is easier to read, understand, and apply than ever before. Using unintimidating language and real-world examples, it introduces students to the key concepts of evidence-based practice that they will use throughout their professional careers. It emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, data collection methods, and data analysis, providing students with the tools they need to become evidence-based practitioners.

An Introduction to Evaluation
An Introduction to Evaluation

Author: Chris Fox

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2016-10-18

Total Pages: 323

ISBN-13: 1473987806

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Both practical and theoretical in approach, this book is the perfect companion for student researchers and policy makers alike. It provides actionable advice for planning and implementing evaluations, while also instilling an ability to assess the evaluations of others and consider the ways in which evaluation evidence could influence policy and practice. Drawing upon a wide range of examples from policy areas like education, criminal justice, and health and social care, this book showcases how evaluation is an interdisciplinary research practice with a spectrum of applications. Each chapter contains philosophical underpinnings and applied knowledge as well as examples from published evaluations. Specific topics include how to: Choose an approach to evaluation Plan, design, and conduct evaluations Approach evaluations using theories of change Differentiate between process, impact, and economic evaluations Understand the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection Use systematic reviews and other tools to assess and disseminate evaluation findings From getting started in the field to turning evidence into policy, this book will guide you through every step of the evaluation process.

Evaluation and Social Research
Evaluation and Social Research

Author: Irene Hall

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2017-03-14

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1349916811

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Evaluation is a large and growing field with applications to a wide range of disciplines - including sociology, social work, social policy, psychology, health, nursing, education, community development, etc. This text explains the different perspectives and needs of researchers and practitioners at the local level in plain, accessible English and develops a model for small scale evaluation. It offers a practical approach to the challenges of evaluation research, well illustrated with examples, and suitable for students and practitioners alike.