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Trochim, William M.
The Research Methods Knowledge Base
is a comprehensive web-based textbook that addresses all of the topics in a typical introductory undergraduate or graduate course in social research methods. It covers the entire research process including: formulating research questions; sampling (probability and nonprobability); measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, unobtrusive); research design (experimental and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and, writing the research paper. It also addresses the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research including: the idea of validity in research; reliability of measures; and ethics. The Knowledge Base was designed to be different from the many typical commercially-available research methods texts. It uses an informal, conversational style to engage both the newcomer and the more experienced student of research. It is a fully hyperlinked text that can be integrated easily into an existing course structure or used as a sourcebook for the experienced researcher who simply wants to browse.[
Introduction to Evaluation
Evaluation is a methodological area that is closely related to, but
distinguishable from more traditional social research.
Evaluation utilizes many of the same methodologies used in traditional
social research, but because evaluation takes place
within a political and organizational context, it requires group skills,
management ability, political dexterity,
sensitivity to multiple stakeholders and other skills that social research
in general does not rely on as much.
Here we introduce the idea of evaluation and some of the major terms and
issues in the field.
Planning-Evaluation Cycle
Often, evaluation is construed as part of a larger managerial or
administrative process. Sometimes this is referred to as the
planning-evaluation cycle. The distinctions between planning and evaluation
are not always clear; this cycle is described in many different ways with
various phases claimed by both planners and evaluators. Usually, the first
stage of such a cycle -- the planning phase -- is designed to elaborate a
set of potential actions, programs, or technologies, and select the best for
implementation.
Evaluation Culture
I took the idea of an evaluation culture from a wonderful paper written by
Donald Campbell in 1969 entitled 'Methods for an Experimenting Society.'
Following in the footsteps of that paper, this one is considerably more
naive and utopian. And, I have changed the name of this idealized society to
reflect terminology that is perhaps more amenable to the climate of the
1990s. For the term experimenting, I have substituted the softer and broader
term evaluating. And for the term society, I have substituted the more
internationally-flavored term culture. With these shifts in emphasis duly
noted, I want you to know that I see the evaluation culture as one that a
member of the experimenting society would feel comfortable visiting, and
perhaps even thinking of taking as a permanent residence.
Introduction to Concept Mapping for Planning and Evaluation
William M.K. Trochim, Cornell University
http://www.conceptsystems.com/papers/intro_article.cfm
Abstract
Concept mapping is a type of structured conceptualization which can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework which can guide evaluation or planning. In the typical case, six steps are involved: 1) Preparation (including selection of participants and development of focus for the conceptualization); 2) the Generation of statements; 3) the Structuring of statements; 4) the Representation of Statements in the form of a concept map (using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis); 5) the Interpretation of maps; and, 6) the Utilization of Maps. Concept mapping encourages the group to stay on task; results relatively quickly in an interpretable conceptual framework; expresses this framework entirely in the language of the participants; yields a graphic or pictorial product which simultaneously shows all major ideas and their interrelationships; often improves group or organizational cohesiveness and morale. This paper describes each step in the process, considers major methodological issues and problems, and discusses computer programs which can be used to accomplish the process.
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Search for Evaluation and Sustainability
1 Evaluación del progreso hacia la sostenibilidad : enfoque, métodos, herramientas y experiencias de campo - IUCN, Strategies for Sustainability Programme ; International Development Research Centre ; Swiss Development Cooperation - 1997.
2 Overview : approach, methods, tools and field experience - IUCN, Strategies for Sustainability Programme ; International Development Research Centre ; Swiss Development Cooperation - 1997.
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