Értékeléselméletek

Értékeléselméletek, or evaluation theories, refer to a broad range of conceptual frameworks and approaches used to understand, design, and conduct evaluations. These theories provide a basis for making decisions about what to evaluate, how to measure it, who should be involved, and how the findings will be used. They help evaluators move beyond simply collecting data to making informed judgments about program effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.

Different evaluation theories emphasize different aspects of the evaluation process. For instance, some theories focus on the purpose of evaluation, such as formative evaluation (for program improvement) versus summative evaluation (for accountability). Others concentrate on the role of the evaluator, such as independent experts versus participatory approaches where stakeholders are actively involved in the evaluation.

Key concepts within evaluation theories include criteria for judging merit or worth, the importance of context, the utilization-focused approach which prioritizes how evaluation findings will be used, and the ethical considerations involved. The choice of an evaluation theory often depends on the specific context of the evaluation, the goals of the program or project being evaluated, and the needs of the stakeholders. Understanding these diverse theoretical perspectives allows for more thoughtful and effective evaluation practices.