Blackwell Reference Online

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Evaluation is a systematic process of determining the merit or worth of some entity, which is commonly referred to as the evaluand ( Scriven 1967, 1991) . Evaluation, like research, is a form of disciplined inquiry ( Cronbach & Suppes 1969 ). As such, emphasis is placed on public examinations of arguments and inquiry methods, on discussion of limitations and margins of error in conclusions, and on adherence to generally accepted standards of practice, which include impartial, detailed, and unambiguous methods of inquiry. The systematic processes of evaluation and research can be compared on several dimensions. This conception of evaluation contrasted to research began with discussions of the emerging methodology of evaluation in the late 1960s, as described by Worthen and Sanders (1973) . The goal of evaluation is to determine value (merit, worth) of an evaluand, while the goal of research is to develop generalizable knowledge. The roles of evaluation include use for product, performance, and program improvement, as well as use for guiding choices among decision alternatives. The roles of research include building a body of knowledge on which theories and product development can draw. The motivation of evaluators toward what to study is primarily external, whereby evaluators provide services to others. The motivation of researchers in choosing what to study is primarily internal, ... log in or subscribe to read full text