This volume is at the core of the Program Evaluation Kit. It takes a step-by-step approach to evaluation, using non-technical language to explain procedures to novice evaluators. This edition reflects the current emphasis on continuous evaluation throughout the process of programme development. New references and the inclusion of evaluation standards are also a feature. The Evaluator's Handbook is illustrated with examples, suggestions, worksheets and sample forms for the reader's own use. At appropriate points, it refers readers to other volumes in the Kit for further information.

Changes in the initial stages of the evaluation process over the last decade are reflected in How to Focus an Evaluation. A new book in the series, this volume replaces the first edition's How to Deal with Goals and Objectives. The volume recognizes that deciding what to evaluate is a complex negotiation process that involves the methodological predisposition of the evaluator and the client, client needs, the nature of the program and the constraints surrounding the evaluation. It outlines five models that characterize different methodological approaches and considers how each may contribute to the focusing process. The text provides advice on how and what type of information to collect from clients, how to clarify and prioritize evaluation concerns, and how to formulate a plan matching evaluation concerns with data collection procedures within cost constraints.

Education, business and human service settings are included in this revised edition of How to Design a Program Evaluation. Additional examples in these fields makes this volume more relevant to a wider audience in comparison with the first edition. Through the use of diagrams, step-by-step directions, flow charts, and extensive examples, the book shows how a variety of design options can be conceived and implemented. Focusing on quantitative designs, it shows what to do when things go wrong and presents detailed methods for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data for each design.

How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation—a new volume in the Program Evaluation Kit—reflects the growing use of qualitative techniques in the evaluation process. The author differentiates the qualitative approach in method and philosophy from more traditional quantitative methods and specifies the kinds of evaluation question for which it is most appropriate. The design decisions and sampling strategies which underlie the method are explained. Patton also includes clearly illustrated step-by-step guides for planning and conducting fieldwork and observations, in-depth interviewing, and analysing, interpreting and reporting results.

This volume—the revised edition of How to Measure Program Implementation—covers the assessment of how a program design works in practice. It reflects the recent emphasis on qualitative methods, and discusses when qualitative or quantitative methods are more appropriate. The book illustrates that the evaluator's task is not to judge the adequacy of program implementation, but rather to document, describe, observe, or assess by some other means how a program is implemented. The text has been organized to reflect a natural and logical ordering of the steps of planning, data collection, and analysis. References have been updated and examples included from education, business, social services, and other non-profit settings.

This edition of How to Measure Attitudes draws on examples from a broader range of disciplines and professions than the first edition. It helps novice evaluators with the difficult task of assessing whether the affective and attitude objectives of a program have been met. The most commonly used attitude measures are described and sources of existing measurement instruments are listed. If no existing instrument is appropriate, step-by-step instructions are given enabling readers to construct their own. Methods for analyzing and reporting attitude data are also included.

Evaluation is only of use if its results are communicated to users and stakeholders—this volume demonstrates how this is done. The authors argue that communication needs to take place throughout the evaluation process. The importance of maintaining a variety of channels of formal and informal reporting mechanisms is shown. The need to tailor the medium and the message for intended audiences and uses is also stressed. How to Communicate Evaluation Findings is a substantially revised version of How to Present an Evaluation Report in the original Kit. The book offers practical tips on how to communicate effectively, on using graphs and tables, and on presenting evaluation reports. Appropriate worksheets are provided.