The leading program evaluation reference, updated with the latest tools and techniquesThe Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation provides tools for managers and evaluators to address questions about the performance of public and nonprofit programs. Neatly integrating authoritative, high-level information with practicality and readability, this guide gives you the tools and processes you need to analyze your program's operations and outcomes more accurately. This new fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and revised, with new coverage of the latest evaluation methods, including:* Culturally responsive evaluation* Adopting designs and tools to evaluate multi-service community change programs* Using role playing to collect data* Using cognitive interviewing to pre-test surveys* Coding qualitative dataYou'll discover robust analysis methods that produce a more accurate picture of program results, and learn how to trace causality back to the source to see how much of the outcome can be directly attributed to the program. Written by award-winning experts at the top of the field, this book also contains contributions from the leading evaluation authorities among academics and practitioners to provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date reference on the topic.Valid and reliable data constitute the bedrock of accurate analysis, and since funding relies more heavily on program analysis than ever before, you cannot afford to rely on weak or outdated methods. This book gives you expert insight and leading edge tools that help you paint a more accurate picture of your program's processes and results, including:* Obtaining valid, reliable, and credible performance data* Engaging and working with stakeholders to design valuable evaluations and performance monitoring systems* Assessing program outcomes and tracing desired outcomes to program activities* Providing robust analyses of both quantitative and qualitative dataGovernmental bodies, foundations, individual donors, and other funding bodies are increasingly demanding information on the use of program funds and program results. The Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation shows you how to collect and present valid and reliable data about programs.

Figures, Tables, and Exhibits ixPreface xvThe Editors xxiThe Contributors xxvPart One: Evaluation Planning and Design 11. Planning and Designing Useful Evaluations 7Kathryn E. Newcomer, Harry P. Hatry, Joseph S. Wholey2. Analyzing and Engaging Stakeholders 36John M. Bryson, Michael Quinn Patton3. Using Logic Models 62John A. McLaughlin, Gretchen B. Jordan4. Exploratory Evaluation 88Joseph S. Wholey5. Performance Measurement 108Theodore H. Poister6. Comparison Group Designs 137Gary T. Henry7. Randomized Controlled Trials 158Carole J. Torgerson, David J. Torgerson, Celia A. Taylor8. Conducting Case Studies 177Karin Martinson, Carolyn O'Brien9. Recruitment and Retention of Study Participants 197Scott C. Cook, Shara Godiwalla, Keeshawna S. Brooks, Christopher V. Powers, Priya John10. Designing, Managing, and Analyzing Multisite Evaluations 225Debra J. Rog11. Evaluating Community Change Programs 259Brett Theodos, Joseph Firschein12. Culturally Responsive Evaluation 281Stafford Hood, Rodney K. Hopson, Karen E. KirkhartPart Two: Practical Data Collection Procedures 31913. Using Agency Records 325Harry P. Hatry14. Using Surveys 344Kathryn E. Newcomer, Timothy Triplett15. Role Playing 383Claudia L. Aranda, Diane K. Levy, Sierra Stoney16. Using Ratings by Trained Observers 412Barbara J. Cohn Berman, Verna Vasquez17. Collecting Data in the Field 445Demetra Smith Nightingale, Shelli Balter Rossman18. Using the Internet 474William C. Adams19. Conducting Semi-Structured Interviews 492William C. Adams20. Focus Group Interviewing 506Richard A. Krueger, Mary Anne Casey21. Using Stories in Evaluation 535Richard A. KruegerPart Three: Data Analysis 55722. Qualitative Data Analysis 561Delwyn Goodrick, Patricia J. Rogers23. Using Statistics in Evaluation 596Kathryn E. Newcomer, Dylan Conger24. Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit Analysis 636Stephanie Riegg Cellini, James Edwin Kee25. Meta-Analyses, Systematic Reviews, and Evaluation Syntheses 673Robert Boruch, Anthony Petrosino, Claire MorganPart Four: Use of Evaluation 69926. Pitfalls in Evaluations 701Harry P. Hatry, Kathryn E. Newcomer27. Providing Recommendations, Suggestions, and Options for Improvement 725George F. Grob28. Writing for Impact 739George F. Grob29. Contracting for Evaluation Products and Services 765James B. Bell30. Use of Evaluation in Government 798Joseph S. Wholey31. Evaluation Challenges, Issues, and Trends 816Harry P. Hatry, Kathryn E. Newcomer, Joseph S. WholeyName Index 833Subject Index 841