"Program Evaluation" by David Royse is an informative and accessible introduction to the field of program evaluation. Royse's aim in this book is to equip readers with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct effective program evaluations. The book covers a wide range of topics including evaluation models, ethics, data collection methods, data analysis, and reporting of findings.
One of the strengths of this book is its clear and concise writing style. Royse presents complex concepts in a straightforward manner, making it easy for readers with little to no prior knowledge of program evaluation to understand. Real-world examples and case studies are used throughout the book to illustrate key concepts and their practical application.
Another positive aspect of "Program Evaluation" is its emphasis on ethical considerations. Royse highlights the importance of following ethical guidelines and standards in conducting evaluations, ensuring the protection of participants' rights and well-being. This focus on ethics adds an important dimension to the book and encourages readers to approach evaluation with integrity and responsibility.
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The book also provides a balanced coverage of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. Royse explains the strengths and limitations of each approach, helping readers to understand when and how to use different methods in their evaluations. Practical tips and examples are included to further enhance the book's usefulness as a guide for conducting evaluations.
In addition, "Program Evaluation" offers guidance on analyzing and reporting evaluation findings. Royse provides step-by-step explanations of data analysis techniques and offers suggestions for effectively communicating evaluation results. This information is valuable for those seeking to share evaluation findings with stakeholders and make evidence-based decisions.
What are readers saying?
Program Evaluation is a comprehensive book written by David Royse that aims to provide an extensive overview of different evaluation approaches and methods. Reviews of the book have been mixed, with readers expressing varying opinions.
Many reviewers praised the practicality and usefulness of the book's contents. They found the explanations to be clear and appreciated the step-by-step approach to program evaluation. These readers believed that the book served as an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field.
However, some reviewers were disappointed with certain aspects of the book. One common criticism was the lack of depth in certain topics. These readers felt that the book only provided a superficial understanding of program evaluation, leaving them wanting more in-depth discussions and analysis. Additionally, a few reviewers noted that the examples and case studies provided were not always relevant or engaging.
Furthermore, some readers found the writing style to be dry and difficult to engage with. They believed that the writing lacked clarity and could have been presented in a more engaging and accessible manner. This made it challenging for some readers to fully grasp the concepts and apply them to their own work.
In terms of organization, a few reviewers mentioned that the book could have been better structured. They felt that the content was not always arranged logically, making it difficult to follow the flow of information. This led to confusion and a lack of cohesion in understanding the evaluation process.
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